Republican Senenator for Neveda, John Ensign, admitted to having an extramarital affair with member of his campaign staff.

Ensign, 51, described the affair as 'absolutely the worst thing that I have ever done in my life’ as he spoke at a news conference from his office in Navada publically confessing to the affair expressing deep regret for his action and for hurting his wife.

The senator said he would not mention the name of the campaign aide involved in the affair. He described the woman and her husband as good friends.

Our families were close, a weary-looking Ensign said. That closeness put me into situations which led to my inappropriate behavior. We caused deep pain to both families and for that I am sorry.

Ensign is married and is a father of three children. His wife Darlene said the families had worked through the situation and said, “with the help of our family and close friends our marriage has become stronger, the Associated Press reported.

Ensign spokesman Tory Mazzola said the affair took place between December 2007 and August 2008.

The senator has no plans to retire.