I sense a scandal target.
Too much ego to leave early otherwise.
FWIW, see comment #26...
I suspect that Lott wanted to retire before the last election...but the state party talked him into continuing...with this interesting scenario...Trent does a easy cake-walk to win a six-year term. The party brings in a outsider to the state...who they give the state university chancellor job to (Retired AF general “Doc” Fogelsong). Lott puts in his time...and the right point arrives...to announce the retirement of Lott. The governor has to appoint a guy...who gets 11 months before elections to make his impressive start. Fogelsong easily wins the election next fall with impressive numbers.
So I’m predicted the governor picks the state chancellor...Fogelsong...as the replacement.