Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Domenici acknowledges having son outside marriage
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Former U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici is acknowledging he fathered a son outside his marriage three decades ago.
Statements released by the New Mexico Republican and the son’s mother, Michelle Laxalt, of Alexandria, Va., identify Domenici as the father of Las Vegas lawyer Adam Paul Laxalt, the Albuquerque Journal reported Wednesday.
“I deeply regret this and am very sorry for my behavior,” Domenici said in his statement. “I hope New Mexicans will view that my accomplishments for my beloved state outweigh my personal transgression.”
Michelle Laxalt’s statement said she and Domenici had agreed to keep his fatherhood secret because he and her father, ex-Nevada Gov. Paul Laxalt, were senators.
“One night’s mistake led to pregnancy more than 30 years ago,” Michelle Laxalt said in her statement, adding that she chose to raise her son as a single parent.
“I have apologized as best as I can to my wife, and we have worked together to strengthen our relationship,” Domenici said.
Domenici served six terms in the Senate. Citing health reasons, he didn’t run for re-election in 2008.
The website for Adam Laxalt’s law firm, Lewis and Roca, said he is a former U.S. Navy officer and lawyer who served in Iraq. He also worked for then-Sen. John Warner, R-Va., and as a special assistant to an undersecretary of state, according to the website.