Domenici reveals disease, announces retirement

U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici’s announcement this afternoon that he would not seek a seventh term was a formality, but it was also a time of celebration of a man who has devoted 35 years of his life to working for New Mexicans in the nation’s capital.

The room at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Albuquerque was full and the applause was loud. Domenici was soft-spoken – a common trait in recent years – as he announced his plans, explained his disease and talked about his career – both what has happened and the 15 months that remain.

“We’re going to do our best with those 15 months to do something spectacular,” Domenici said.

As expected, he announced that he is suffering from frontotemporal lobar degeneration, which can lead to frontotemporal dementia.

A statement prepared by Domenici’s doctors states that the disease, depending on which area of the brain it affects, can:

• cause dysfunction of the parts of the brain that are important for organization, decision making and control of mood and behavior. In this form of the disease, the affected individual may show impulsivity, outbursts of anger, mood swings or repetitive behaviors.

• affect the part of the brain important for language. The affected person may have difficulty speaking but understand what others say. In other cases, speech is fluent but comprehension of language is impaired. Late in the disease, people often make little sense when speaking and have trouble recognizing or knowing how to use less familiar objects.

Sometimes, the doctors state, people do not have one clear form of the disease, but show symptoms of each. The disease can also affect motor function, causing slowness of movement, tremor or poor use or rigidity of one or more limbs. The voice may become soft or harsh.

There is no cure or treatment that can stop progression.

Domenici said he felt “very little impact” from the disease for two years, but a checkup in September revealed a “slight” progression.

“I had to consider whether I could in good conscience run for election and serve you as well as I could for another six-year term,” Domenici said. “At this point, I’m doing well, and have no doubt that I can continue to serve you for the remainder of my term.”

But, he said, he could not begin another term he knew he might not be able to complete. Domenici said his condition could remain stable in seven years or he could be incapacitated.

You can read the full statement from the doctors by clicking here. Read Domenici’s marks as they were prepared for delivery by clicking here, and a summary of his career that was released by his office by clicking here.

New Mexico GOP releases statement

The state Republican Party, which had not previously released a statement on Domenici’s retirement, put out these words from Chairman Allen Weh following Domenici’s announcement:

“Senator Domenici is among the most honorable and well-respected public servants the state of New Mexico has ever seen. He has devoted his entire life – all of his talent and energy – to improving the lives of New Mexicans, and the success he has achieved in doing so is admirable,” Weh said.

“We pray that Senator Domenici’s health will improve, and that he will have a fulfilling life alongside his devoted wife, Nancy, and family in the years to come,” he said. “New Mexico’s greatest advocate will leave behind a tremendous legacy of honest, ethical and effective public service. For 35 years, he has daily considered the needs of his beloved New Mexico; today, we are filled with great concern and fond thoughts for our beloved senator.”

“God bless Senator Domenici; we wish him the best, we pray for him and his family and we deeply appreciate his selfless and committed service to the people of New Mexico,” Weh said.