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Tuesday, Jun 5, 2012 7:45 PM UTC

Source: Ex-Ensign aide to admit misdemeanor

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Topics: From the Wires,

WASHINGTON (AP) — A person familiar with the case says an ex-aide to former Republican Sen. John Ensign is expected to plead guilty Thursday to a misdemeanor violation of lobbying law.

Doug Hampton left his job as Ensign’s administrative assistant four years ago after discovering Ensign had an affair with his wife. Federal prosecutors alleged Hampton then began lobbying the senator’s office on behalf of Nevada-based clients in violation of the yearlong ban on former employees lobbying the Senate.

The person close to the case said sentencing guidelines call for up to six months of jail time and could include probation. The source spoke on condition of anonymity because the plea agreement has not yet been approved by the court.

The plea agreement will be presented Thursday in U.S. District Court.

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