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 ...
There will be a law suit if it happens. Bet on it.
Yeah, on a re-reading, it would sem you are right on the vacancy.
From another article today, not that it’s set in stone at this time:
Republican Gov. Haley Barbour will name someone to temporarily replace Lott. Barbour announced a special election for Nov. 4, 2008.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1931164/posts?
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