Despite new questions about financial dealings with the family of the woman with whom he admitted having an affair, Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) told the Las Vegas Sun that he not only won't resign, but plans to run for re-election in 2012.

When asked Monday whether he had any thoughts about stepping down, Ensign said his supporters are sending one message: “They say, ‘Don't.' ”

“I fully plan on running for reelection,” Ensign said late Monday evening. “I'm going to work to earn their respect back.”

The two-term Republican senator was back on offense Monday, saying his support is coming from his fellow senators as well as those “on both sides” of Senate leadership.

Ensign said his supporters are telling him, “Keep your head up. This thing will pass.”

Ensign has said that tens of thousands paid by his father to the Hampton family were gifts. Ethics complaints have already been filed, and some are seeking a criminal investigation.

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