U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici’s Washington office closed on Friday, and Domenici gave his last radio news conference today.
Here’s the statement Domenici released in announcing the closing of his office:
“This is a difficult day after all these years in the Senate, but I am upbeat about the change. I will be forever grateful to the people of New Mexico for sending me to Washington and for continuing to support me as I worked for them here,” Domenici said. “I have also been blessed over the years with a very loyal and talented staff, who worked hard to serve our state.
“I have met with Sen.-elect Udall and my long-time friend Sen. Bingaman and have told them I am willing to help them where I can to advance the best interests of our state,” he said. “So, I again thank everyone. Nancy and I will look forward to a happy and blessed holiday season with family and friends before we begin the next chapter of our lives. God bless you all.”
A skeleton staff was to complete the process of closing Domenici’s office today, according to a news release.
Meanwhile, you can listen to Domenici’s last news conference with radio reporters from around the state by clicking here. Topics covered include life after retirement, an explanation of his final vote in the Senate — to allow a vote on the $14 billion bailout for the American auto industry — and the need for the Bush administration to come to the aid of the auto industry because the Senate didn’t allow a vote on the bailout, and the proposal died.