Probe of John Ensign Expands as Senator's GOP Pals Are Called to Testify

The Justice Department has widened its investigation of Nevada Sen. John Ensign's efforts to find lobbying work for a onetime aide who was also the husband of the senator's mistress.

A federal grand jury has subpoenaed the National Republican Senatorial Committee -- a campaign arm of Senate Republicans -- and also Sid Rogich and Pete Ernaut, two well-connected Nevada Republicans, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

Rogich, who served as an adviser to Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, told the newspaper that Ensign called him about a year ago to ask if he would meet with Doug Hampton, husband of Cindy Hampton, who had a nine-month affair with the senator in 2007 and 2008. Rogich said he had a brief meeting with Doug Hampton, but nothing came of it.

Authorities have asked for documents from the senatorial committee, which recruits candidates and raises campaign funds and which Ensign once chaired. He is also facing an inquiry from the Senate Ethics Committee. The grand jury is trying to determine whether his attempts to help Doug Hampton get a job violated federal law.