Former New Mexico Sen. Pete Domenici told the Journal on Tuesday he fathered a son outside of his marriage over 30 years ago, revealing a secret kept for decades.

Statements given to the Journal by Domenici and the son’s mother, Michelle Laxalt of Alexandria, Va., identified the son as Adam Paul Laxalt, a Nevada lawyer. Michelle Laxalt formerly was a prominent government relations consultant and television political commentator in Washington, D.C. She is a daughter of former U.S. senator and Nevada Gov. Paul Laxalt.

“More than 30 years ago, I fathered a child outside of my marriage,” Domenici said in his statement.

“The mother of that child made me pledge that we would never reveal that parenthood, and I have tried to honor that pledge and so has she,” Domenici said.

[…]

I don’t have much respect for that pledge, given that he only told his wife ‘several months’ ago, and his eight other children were denied knowledge of a half brother. Also, Domenici made a rather big deal over Clinton’s dishonesty, which makes Domenici a first-class hypocrite.

You may need to ‘answer a question’ to read the rest here, instead of registering: » Ex-Sen. Domenici Discloses Son Born in Secrecy

I’m trying to wrap my brain around Domenici and daughter of another gop senator. Translation: NOTHING surprises me anymore in politics

— Chuck Todd (@chucktodd) February 20, 2013