Nevada's Dean Heller sworn into Senate
Nevada Republican Dean Heller was sworn into the Senate on Monday to take over the seat formerly occupied by Sen. John Ensign, who resigned last week in the midst of a Senate Ethics Committee investigation.
Heller, who was sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden, previously served as a House Representative for Nevada's 2nd district. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada joined Heller on the dais as he took the oath of office.
"Every time we have a peaceful transfer of power - at any level of our government - it speaks to the strength of our democracy. Today is no different," Reid said in remarks after the proceedings. "Today Nevada welcomes our new appointed senator, Dean Heller, to this side of the Capitol."
In announcing his appointment of Heller last month, Republican Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval praised Heller for his "personal integrity."
"Dean Heller is a compassionate man of deep personal integrity, with a down-to-earth approach to public service," Sandoval said in a statement. "I have no doubt Dean will serve Nevada in the Senate for many years, and I look forward to working with him on behalf of the state we both love so much." Heller plans to run for a full term next year.
Despite his resignation, Ensign remains under investigation in connection with his behavior following revelations of an affair with one of his campaign staffers.
