Senate Ethics Committee moves ahead on Ensign probe, appoints special counsel

Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011 | 7:16 a.m.

The U.S. Senate panel announced the appointment today of an experienced DC lawyer to look into the scandal surrounding Nevada's John Ensign. Here's the release:

SENATE SELECT COMMITTEE ON ETHICS APPOINTS SPECIAL COUNSEL

Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Select Committee on Ethics Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Vice Chairman Johnny Isakson (R-GA) have announced the appointment of Carol Elder Bruce to serve as Special Counsel to the Committee in its preliminary inquiry concerning Senator John Ensign (R-NV).

Ms. Bruce is a partner in the Washington, DC office of the K&L Gates LLP law firm. She is a highly experienced litigator whose current practice focuses on white collar criminal defense, complex civil litigation, and congressional investigations. She is also a former Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia with ten years of trial experience, handling hundreds of cases as first chair in jury trials, grand jury presentations, and appellate briefings and arguments. Additionally, she has served as an Independent Counsel and a Deputy Independent Counsel.

Ms. Bruce and her team will be working with the staff of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics, which is currently examining allegations against Senator Ensign that he violated Senate rules and federal law.

The purpose of a preliminary inquiry is to determine whether there is substantial credible evidence that a violation within the Committee’s jurisdiction has occurred. The possible responses after a preliminary inquiry are dismissal of the allegations, a letter of admonition, or, for more serious violations, an adjudicatory review. An adjudicatory review generally involves more formal proceedings, including notice to the Senator of the nature of the possible violations, a description of the evidence of such violations, and the right to a hearing before the Committee recommends disciplinary or other action.