Is this good news or bad news?
If you want the Republicans to defend an
open seat with a very strong Dem candidate
then it's bad news.
I would classify this news as "better than the alternative" which meant a pickup for the Rats. Lott may be a spineless wimp, but he's our spineless wimp.
GOod news in the sense that it keeps the seat in R hands, and Lott is a solid conservative vote.
THe bad news is his seniority is going to put him in play for leadership positions again, and the man is a spineless wimp in that respect. He was way to ready to compromise, be bipartisan, and be cooperative. His voting record itself is solid, but he in no way has ever led the charge to get an impotant vote through.