Domenici: I Fathered Son Outside Marriage

Former U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici is acknowledging he fathered a son outside his marriage three decades ago.

The Albuquerque Journal  reports that statements 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.

Michelle Laxalt's statement says she and Domenici had agreed to keep his fatherhood secret because he and her father, Nevada Republican Paul Laxalt, were senators.

The mother says they're disclosing Domenici's fatherhood because she believed someone would shop a story to the media to smear Domenici.

In his statement, Domenici says he's sorry that he caused hurt and disappointment for his wife and other family members.

Domenici served six Senate terms. He didn't run for re-election in 2008.