Head of GOP campaign operation mum on backing Nevada Sen. Ensign for re-election in 2012

Cornyn declines to endorse Ensign in 2012

WASHINGTON — The head of the Senate’s Republican campaign arm is not saying for now whether he will back embattled Nevada Sen. John Ensign for re-election in three years.

Sen. John Cornyn oversees the National Republican Senatorial Committee. He says he is focusing on the 2010 election and wants to give Ensign — also a Republican — and his family space to work through their troubles.

Ensign acknowledged in June he had an affair with a former campaign aide. His attorney has also said that Ensign’s parents paid the woman and her family $96,000 after learning about the affair.

Ensign has not said whether he’ll seek re-election in 2012. It’s also not certain whether Cornyn will be heading the Senate Republicans’ campaign operation then.