Politics

Sen. Domenici won't run for re-election in 2008

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Sen. Pete Domenici (R-New Mexico), a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, won't seek re-election in 2008.

Domenici, 75, is announcing his decision today in Albuquerque. He will cite health reasons -- not the controversy he has faced in recent months over the firing of the U.S. Attorney from New Mexico.

David Iglesias, the former federal prosecutor, says he was pressured by Domenici to bring charges against Democrats prior to the November 2006 election. Domenici has denied any wrongdoing but hired a law firm as part of a Senate ethics inquiry into his actions.

During his time in the Senate, Domenici advocated for Indian health care and diabetes programs, reservation roads and water rights settlements for tribes in his state. He raised some eyebrows when he suggested that wealthy tribes receive less federal funds than poorer ones.

Domenici is the fourth Senate Republican to announce his retirement.

Get the Story:
Republican Domenici Is Set to Retire From Senate (The Washington Post 10/4)
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Republican Senate Stalwart From New Mexico Is Said to Be Retiring (The New York Times 10/4)
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End of An Era (The Albuquerque Journal 10/3)

$rl Sen. Pete Domenici - http://domenici.senate.gov