Ensign: Clinton revelation 'very sad day for America'

WASHINGTON -- Members of Nevada's congressional delegation expressed disappointment after President Clinton finally put months of rumors to rest and admitted he had an inappropriate relationship with former White House intern Monica Lewinsky.

The four Silver State lawmakers said they would reserve comment about possible impeachment hearings until Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr determines if Clinton lied to the grand jury about his relationship with Lewinsky.

"My gut reaction was this was a very sad day for America, for the presidency and for Hillary and Chelsea," said Rep. John Ensign, R-Nev., of the first family. "I think everyone has to feel very, very bad for them."

Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., said, "I am disappointed with the president for taking seven months to come forward about this. I am glad he came forward today.

"I can't condone what the president has done. His behavior is something he needs to work out with his family and faith and the nation."

Clinton had the dubious honor of being the first president to be forced to testify about intimate details of his private life. The president told the American public in a nationally televised address that he did not volunteer information when first asked about his relationship with Lewinsky when first confronted about it in January.

"While my answers were legally accurate, I did not volunteer information," Clinton said. "Indeed, I did have a relationship with Ms. Lewinsky that was not appropriate. In fact, it was wrong. It constituted a critical lapse in judgment and a personal failure on my part for which I am solely and completely responsible."

Sen. Richard Bryan, D-Nev., prior to speaking to a class at the new UNLV law school today, chastised the president.

"I think the president obviously embarrassed himself and his family by his actions," Bryan said. "I think he had two objectives last night. One, to acknowledge to the American people that he did have an improper relationship with Monica Lewinsky. Two, he wanted to put the issue behind him and he failed.

"He was less than contrite and unnecessarily confrontational with Ken Starr."

Rep. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., released a statement saying the president "stated he testified truthfully and as elected officials we are sworn to do just that." Gibbons said he will continue to focus on Nevada related issues until he finds out what was in Starr's report. With less than three months until the November elections, it is unclear if Clinton's admission will have a negative ripple effect on Nevada's Democratic candidates.

The Republican Ensign said he is not sure what effect Clinton's speech will have on his race as he leaves the safety of his Las Vegas House seat and challenges Reid for his Senate post.

"This is just a very sad event for the American people, and it is impossible to say whether it will have an effect on the election," Ensign said.

Reid, however, said he doesn't think Silver State residents will look down upon the Democratic Party for the personal failures of the president.

"I think the people of Nevada are sophisticated and mature enough to differentiate between the president's private life and members of either political party," Reid said.

MARK D. PRESTON writes for States News Service.

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