Former Sen. Pete V. Domenici, R-N.M., wants to patch up his relationship with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid after the Nevada Democrat refused to see him because of an affair Domenici had with the daughter of one of Reid’s close friends three decades ago.

“I have occasion to call him every now and then,” Domenici told the Albuquerque Journal. “Harry has been a longtime friend. I’m sorry for what happened 35 years ago, and I look forward to any opportunity to talk with him about these matters.”

His comment came after Reid, during an hourlong interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal last week, said he refused to see Domenici over his affair with Michelle Laxalt, the daughter of former Sen. Paul Laxalt, R-Nev., who is Reid’s friend.

“I don’t mention Domenici anymore because of what he did to Michelle,” Reid said.

“He asked to see me last week, but I wouldn’t meet with him. But that’s another story,” Reid continued.

Domenici, 81, said he was surprised that Reid mentioned the incident when asked about the comment and said he hoped to mend the relationship.

In February, Domenici told the Albuquerque Journal about the affair, which took place in the 1980s when Domenici was 46 and Laxalt was 24.

– Niels Lesniewski contributed to this report.