Ensign won't endorse Stevens

U.S. Sen. John Ensign (R-Las Vegas), the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, can't seem to catch a break. Lisa Mascaro at the Las Vegas Sun summarizes how bleak Republicans' chances for November appear.

Ensign now talks about holding the line so there will be at least 40 Republicans in the Senate, enough to form a fire wall against the usual 60-vote rule.

Sometimes, though, he doesn’t even say that, conceding only that seats will be lost.

Today Roll Call is reporting that Ensign is unwilling to endorse one of his own colleagues -- incumbent U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska).

"I'm not going to make any comment," Ensign said. "There's a process in place and we're going to wait to see how that process plays out."

Asked specifically whether he still endorses Stevens, Ensign replied: "I've said exactly what I was going to say ... We'll wait to see how the process plays out. There's a primary."

Stevens was indicted yesterday on seven counts of making false statements regarding gifts he received relating to major renovations made to his home.