Posted on 11/26/2007 8:55:28 AM PST by freespirited
The news that Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) will resign his seat creates a vacancy that aspiring pols have been waiting for.
The rules of succession remain somewhat blurry, although the most likely outcome is that Gov. Barbour will appoint Lott's' replacement with a special election held next November to fill the four years on Lott's'term.
For Republicans, the most oft-mentioned names are Reps. Roger Wicker and Chip Pickering. Both once served as staffers for Lott and have deep ties in the state's Republican politics. Pickering is leaving his House seat at the end of this term.
On the Democratic side, all eyes will be on former state Attorney General Mike Moore. By far the most popular Democratic politician in the state, Moore was rumored to be interested in a 2008 race if Thad Cochran (R) had retired and could well be convinced now to run for Lott's seat.
If not Moore, it's'hard to see Democrats making a serious run at the seat. Mississippi is strong Republican country as George Bush won it with 59 percent of the vote in 2004...
Update: Under Mississippi election law, a 90 day special Senate election would be held if Lott formally resigns before the end of 2007.
But, that seems unlikely as a special election would put the seat in far more danger than if Barbour appointed a successor that would stand next November.
Since Lott has control over his formal resignation date, it seems likely he will wait until early January to make it official...
... an informed Republican source said Barbour's'choice is very likely to not be Chip Pickering... no other obvious alternative was offered.
As for the Democrats, former state AG Mike Moore is still the top pick but Rep. Gene Taylor and former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove are also mentioned.
(Excerpt) Read more at blog.washingtonpost.com ...
Trent Lott will reconsider, decide he's Indispensible to the Republic, and stay in the Senate until he's outlived Strom Thurmond and Robert Byrd.
What do I win if I'm right?
I’m not stupid enough to make a bet on what Trent will do, but you can bet it will only benefit him.
He was good for Mississippi, but bad for the country as a whole.
Barbour should figure out how to get himself appointed.
I predict anyone, including some Demorats are better than this Illegal Immigrant loving SOB!!! I can't wait to see the door catch this guy in the butt on the way out! Best news I have heard all year, and I don't even live in Mississippi.
Exactly. one less vote for illegal immigrants....
Looks like you are right. FOX is reporting that ole Trent will resign before the end of the year, which is seriously contrary to our interests. The reason? To get around new rules, effective in 2008, that would prohibit him from lobbying his former colleagues, for two years.
IOW, he's quitting to become a lobbyist. FOLLOW DA MONEY.
We could be down another seat in a few months if FOX is correct.
Do you think the citizens of the state would cotton to Barbour running in a special election for Senator when they just re-elected him as guv?
Sure would be great to send him back to DC.
Tempest in a teacup. Barbour won his reelection handily, and if he appoints the right person, they’ll inherit the job.
Good Riddance to a spineless Richard Cranium.
Tom Daschle will move to Mississippi, announce that he can be as loyal a Republican as Trent Lott ever was, and ask Barbour to appoint him.
What do I win if I’m right?
Cheerleading outfit.
Amy Tuck.
Barbour is one of the smartest Republicans on the political scene. He would be much more valuable to them on the National level rather than in the Miss. State House.
Hey Trent, couldn’t you talk McCain into going with you?
This will truly depend upon who is appointed to replace Senator Lott. I truly do hope that a “pro-law enforcement when dealing with all issues related to illegal immigration” Republican is the replacement!
A seagull will dive bomb you ... It was funny though LOL.
What did Larry Flint have on him?
The US Senate will have yet another member who was a little too good to serve in the military when he was a young man. How’s that for a near certain prediction.
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