NV Gov. Names Heller to Senate

With disgraced Sen. John Ensign consigned to history, Dean Heller will take his place. Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval confirmed what many had expected on Wednesday by appointing Heller, a fellow Republican and current U.S. representative, to fill Ensign’s seat when he leaves on May 3. It could give Heller, who had already announced plans to run, a leg up in the race to replace Ensign permanently when his term ends in Jan. 2012. The appointment will set up a special election to replace Heller in the House. Ensign leaves under a cloud of ethics investigations. He had earlier said he wouldn’t run, then announced last week that he’d step down early.