Former U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici says he'll be returning to New Mexico early next year and will serve as an adviser to state Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the 84-year-old Domenici made the announcement Wednesday. He has lived in the Washington, D.C.-area for years with his wife Nancy. They'll be returning to New Mexico permanently in mid-January.
As for his new role, Domenici will provide advice on energy, natural resources and other policy issues. He'll also help push Dunn's proposal to create a new permanent fund to help finance early childhood education.
Domenici, a Republican, was elected to the Senate in 1972 and served through 2008. He was chair of both the Senate budget panel and the energy and natural resources committee.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.