Republican Sen. John Ensign is handing over his senior leadership post in the Senate.

The decision comes one day after he admitted to having an affair with one of his campaign workers.

"Last year I had an affair," Ensign confessed.  "I violated the vows of my marriage. It is the worst thing I have ever done in my life."

Ensign did not resign his Senate seat.  Instead, he stepped down as chairman of the Republican Policy Committee -- the fourth ranking spot in GOP leadership.

Some analysts believed Ensign to be one of the Republican front runners for the 2012 presidential race.

The senator, who's reportedly a member of Promise Keepers, says his wife has forgiven him.

He added that through counseling they've come out of this with even a stronger marriage.