For much of his public career, Sen. John Ensign has appeared a model of the religious right

just another politician diminished by scandal

Rattled, humbled and alone at the podium, Ensign acknowledged to reporters an extramarital affair, the sort of moral failing he's criticized in the past

The Nevada Republican once called on President Bill Clinton to resign, declaring "the truth must come out." In October 2007, he was sharply critical of former Sen. Larry Craig, of Idaho, calling the Republican's arrest in an airport bathroom sex sting "embarrassing for the Senate.

he was known as a polished pro-business Republican and well-spoken ally of the state's religious conservatives

He was a member of Promise Keepers, a men's Christian group that espoused devotion to family and marriage

He's been a very reliable ally and outspoken on marriage issues, on life issues,

His religious beliefs were a very high identifier with conservatives