Big inside-the-beltway news here. John Ensign, one of the Senate’s top conservatives, will reportedly lead the National Republican Senatorial Committee through the next election cycle.

Roll Call reports:

Republican leaders have been scrambling for nearly two months to recruit the next NRSC chairman after Sen. John Thune (S.D.), who was expected to assume the post, opted against a bid. Thune shocked the GOP Conference in early August when he announced he wasn’t interested in the position, citing the travel burden and family commitments.

Ensign, who also declined the NRSC post when initially approached by party leaders, said he changed his mind after consulting with friends, colleagues, and his wife, Darlene.

“It’s a big challenge, there’s no question, it’s a big challenge, but it’s an important job,” Ensign said in an interview Tuesday. “I think it’s a job that I’m up to. I feel very privileged to even serve in a position like that.”

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