Indicted ex-Ensign aide assigned public defender

LAS VEGAS (AP) - A former administrative aide to Nevada Sen. John Ensign has a federal public defender for his Washington, D.C., criminal case alleging he illegally lobbied Ensign and his staff.

Doug Hampton's lawyer filed documents Tuesday seeking to postpone his Thursday arraignment in Washington until Monday. He says Hampton needs to travel from his home in California.

The federal public defender also asked that the court pay for Hampton's travel, saying he cannot afford the trip.

Hampton faces charges in connection with lobbying he did on behalf of a Las Vegas airline company and an energy company. Federal law prohibits a senior Senate aide from lobbying the Senate for one year after terminating employment.

Hampton quit and became a lobbyist after he learned that Ensign had an affair with his wife.

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