FILE - In this Jan. 28, 2009, file photo, Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington. Ensign admitted Tuesday, June 16, 2009, he had an extramarital affair with a member of his campaign staff. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican Sen. John Ensign of Nevada has stepped down from his leadership post one day after admitting he carried on a marital affair with a woman who was on his campaign staff.
Ensign conveyed his decision in a phone call with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, who said he had accepted the resignation.
Ensign was chairman of the Republican Policy Committee, the fourth-ranking spot in the leadership.
He remained away from the Capitol during the day, and aides declined to answer additional questions about the affair.
A timeline issued Tuesday said Ensign was involved in a "consensual affair" from December, 2007 through August, 2008. There has been no indication of why the senator decided to announce his infidelity when he did.
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