PASSING OF A STATESMAN
Longest-serving U.S. senator in state history ‘worked for everyone’
WASHINGTON — Former Sen. Pete Domenici of New Mexico was remembered Wednesday as a skilled legislator and bipartisan statesman who always put New Mexico and its citizens first.
The 85-year-old son of Italian immigrants who became the longest-serving senator in New Mexico history passed away Wednesday after suffering setbacks from abdominal surgery. Domenici died in intensive care at University of New Mexico Hospital, surrounded by family and friends.
Warm tributes came from across the United States on Wednesday, including from former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and numerous prominent New Mexicans.
“This is a difficult time for the entire Domenici family,” his family said in a statement Wednesday evening. “We have suffered a great loss. Our father loved New Mexico and worked for its people. He devoted his life to fighting for them. He worked for everyone, in every corner in the state. And as much as he did, he always felt there was even more he could do. If it involved a need in New Mexico, Pete Domenici was always ready to ‘get to work.’
“So, while we mourn our father’s passing, we celebrate his life and his many achievements and feel tremendous gratitude to his dedicated supporters, exceptional staff and the constituents of his beloved state.”
Bush — who signed into law several major pieces of legislation written by Domenici — said he and his wife, Laura, were “saddened” by the death of their “good friend.”
“He loved New Mexico and represented his constituents well in the Senate — an institution for which he had great respect, and in which he earned great respect,” Bush said. “We will miss him, and we send our heartfelt sympathies and
WHEN: Saturday ceremony at 3 p.m., gates open at 2 p.m. WHERE: Isotopes Park DETAILS: The third-base gates at Isotopes Park will open at 2 p.m., and guests will be seated in the stands behind home plate. Parking will be at Isotopes Park (lots A, B and C) or in University of New Mexico lots.