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Former senator reveals secret son

By Kristen Butler, UPI.com
Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM) revealed Tuesday that he fathered a son out of wedlock with a Washington lobbyist and kept it a secret for over 30 years. (File/UPI Photo/Kevin Dietsch)
Sen. Pete Domenici (R-NM) revealed Tuesday that he fathered a son out of wedlock with a Washington lobbyist and kept it a secret for over 30 years. (File/UPI Photo/Kevin Dietsch) | License Photo

Former Sen. Pete Domenici revealed he fathered a son more than 30 years ago. He was married at the time.

The New Mexico Republican, now 80, told the Albuquerque Journal that “the mother of that child made me pledge that we would never reveal that parenthood, and I have tried to honor that pledge and so has she.”

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The newspaper identified Domenici’s son as Adam Laxalt, a lawyer in Nevada. The man’s mother is Michelle Laxalt, a Washington lobbyist and the daughter of former Sen. Paul Laxalt. “I deeply regret this and am very sorry for my behavior,” Domenici said in a statement. “I hope New Mexicans will view that my accomplishments for my beloved state outweigh my personal transgression.”

Domenici served six terms as senator, declining to run in 2008 citing his health. He has eight children with his wife, Nancy. Domenici’s announcement comes less than a week after Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), who is unmarried, disclosed he learned in 2010 that he fathered a child more than 20 years ago.

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