Posted on 12/19/2007 10:49:05 AM PST by MplsSteve
Sen. Trent Lott retired from Congress late Tuesday with characteristic flair, making public with 16 minutes' notice that he would relinquish his seat when the Senate closed for business.
A press release issued by his office at 11:49 p.m. said Lott would not return to work Wednesday. The Senate turned out the lights at 12:05 a.m.
Lott spokesman Lee Youngblood said the formal announcement came so late because Lott had to resign at least a day before the Senate recesses, which could be as early as Wednesday, but wanted to vote on important bills that were being considered well into the night.
In a 35-year career, Lott, 66, rose from the Republican ranks of the House to the helm of the Senate, was toppled by his own racially insensitive remark in 2002 and reinstated as a GOP leader four years later by the thinnest of margins _ winning by one vote in a last-minute bid to be the vote-counting Republican whip.
It was one of his favorite jobs. Lott, who kept at least one bullwhip in his office, seemed to relish a job others have loathed: rounding up votes in a chamber of outsized egos. But with Republicans likely to lose seats in the next election and stay in the minority, Lott said he was ready to go. One of Congress' jolliest and most effective deal-cutters, Lott sounded tired of the bitterness that ruled the chamber this year when he announced his retirement last month.
(Excerpt) Read more at startribune.com ...
Never mind, I found the reference in another article. You were right. Thank you.
>>>Lott, 66, had announced in his home state Nov. 26 that he would step down by year’s end<<<
http://www.picayuneitem.com/local/local_story_353133230.html
Simply a combination of no brains, no huevos, no conscience.
Addition by Subtraction
Here are a couple from November 26.:
Fox News Alert: Trent Lott Resigning By End Of This Year
Lott's Resignation Would Touch Off Intense Fight For Senate Seat (Lott Resigned Today)
“You smell that? Smells like somebody died”
Happens to all of em.
He can get on the K Street gravy train at the end of 2008 instead of having to wait until 2010 if he left two weeks later.
OK, so I believe this means that a special election has to be held for his replacement. Had he waited until January 1st then the governor could have appointed a replacement who would have served the remainder of his term.
Trent Lott is only out for Trent Lott.
Two words for Lott. GOOD RIDDANCE!!!!!!!!!!
“I think deep down he’s a good guy, but he’s been in Washington way too long.”
Lott was good as a congressman but as a senator he moved towards the center. He lost his spine.
Now be fair. He had a soft spot in his heart for Ingalls Shipbuilding as well.
He lost his testicles a good 10-15 years ago.
This is a day to celibrate, America!!!
Today...day...day...I consider myself...self...self...the most lacquer-haired man on Earth.
GET OFF THE STAGE!..(and on to that waiting payroll you sell out)
When asked about the state of the Congress Lott responded with his concern about the declining civility in both houses. This is classic Trent Lott. His most important goal as the leader of the Republicans in the Senate was the same as Rodney King's - he just wanted to be loved and to get along with the Democrats. The problem is that the Democrats are not so naive and so they naturally took old Trent to cleaners on a regular basis.
Sorry, but I don't give $.02 for civility in Congress. I care about what they actually do that affects my life - raising taxes and giving money away to their friends and to buy votes and failing to properly defend this country against our enemies. That's what Trent Lott should have been taking care of and he didn't. I won't miss him for a minute.
Maybe his replacement will actually have a spine along with a functioning brain.
Absolute weasle and yellow-bellied political coward. Leads, and epitomizes, the limp-wristed, soft-willed RINO Republican side of the Senate.
Sometimes I yearn for the days when Congressmen would break canes over each others' heads. I wouldn't even mind seeing a little Taiwan style full-contact legislation.
And if any Republican does break a cane over a 'Rats head, I will send him a new one.
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