Biography
Senator Pete V. Domenici was born on May 7, 1932, the only boy in a family of five children. His parents emigrated from Italy and settled in Albuquerque, New Mexico. As a young boy, the Senator helped out his father by delivering groceries for the family business. At age ten, the Senator began his twelve-year-long baseball career as a pitcher. He played at St. Mary's High School, and then pitched for the College of St. Joseph on the Rio Grande until transferring to the University of New Mexico where he continued his baseball career. After graduation, he pitched for the Dukes before becoming a math and science teacher at Garfield Junior High.
After a year of teaching, Senator Domenici decided to go to law school at the University of Denver. Once he received his law degree in 1958, he moved back to Albuquerque and went into private practice. One day while having coffee with friends, Domenici was challenged to fix some of the problems he was always complaining about on the Albuquerque City Commission. In 1966 Senator Domenici's political career began when he was elected to the Albuquerque City Commission.
The same year he graduated from law school, Senator Domenici married Nancy Burk, a physical therapist. They now have eight children, Lisa, Peter, Nella, Claire, David, Nanette, and the twins Paula and Helen. Senator and Mrs. Domenici love spending time with their nine grandchildren.
Senator Domenici still loves baseball and likes to watch most other sports as well! His hobbies include hunting quail and turkeys, fishing, sports, and he loves to read. The Senator's long-time heroes are baseball players Joe DiMaggio and Phil Rizzuto.
In 1972 he was elected to represent the state of New Mexico in the United States Senate. He is in his sixth term and continues to try his hardest to look out for the interests of New Mexicans.
Timeline
| 1932 | 1950 | 1954 | 1955 | 1958 | 1966 | 1967 | 1972 | 2002 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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» Born on May 7 in Albuquerque only son of five children of Italian immigrants |
» Graduated from St. Mary's High School in Albuquerque |
» Earned an education degree from University of New Mexico » Pitcher for Albuquerque Dukes a farm club for the old Brooklyn Dodgers |
» Math teacher at Garfield Junior High, Albuquerque |
» Earned law degree, University of Denver » Entered private practice in Albuquerque » Married fiancé Nancy Burk |
» Elected to Albuquerque City Commission |
» Elected Commission Chairman equivalent to Mayor |
» Elected to U.S. Senate first Republican U.S. Senator from New Mexico in 38 years |
» Re-elected for a sixth term in the U.S. Senate |
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