I got to meet him when I was stationed at Nellis (95-98)...top-notch guy, all around. I remember this radio talk show host they had on 840 AM at the time (Jeff Greenfield, I think it was)...some Strip entertainment critic wannabe who decided to have a political talk show...I don't think anyone could be more liberal than that idiot.
I knew Ensign was a good guy in 1998, when that "talk show host" launched the most vicious smear campaign against Ensign that I have ever heard, even for liberals.
Prior to Harry Reid becoming Minority Leader, he and Ensign used to work pretty well together on Nevada-related matters. I would imagine things are just a bit more strained now!