Ex-senator Domenici reveals son after 30 years

Here's a talker: Former senator Pete Domenici is acknowledging he fathered a son outside of his marriage 30 years ago — with the daughter of another senator, Paul Laxalt.

Domenici, a New Mexico Republican who was once the top budget expert in Congress, revealed his secret to the Albuquerque Journal. The Associated Press picked up the story Wednesday.

Domenici, who is now 80 years old, and Michelle Laxalt released statements to the Albuquerque paper saying Domenici is the father of her son, Las Vegas lawyer Adam Laxalt. "One night's mistake led to a pregnancy 30 years ago," she said.

The former senator and Michelle Laxalt indicated they were disclosing Adam Laxalt's fatherhood "because they thought somebody might soon attempt to make it public, with her statement saying she thought someone would shop it to the media to smear Domenici," according to the AP.

Michelle Laxalt also said they agreed to keep the fatherhood a secret because Domenici and her father, a Nevada Republican, were serving in the U.S. Senate at the same time.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/onpolitics/2013/02/20/pete-domenici-son-laxalt-senate/1932823/