Lott created the domino effect, Barbour had to deal that was dropped in his lap. Problem is that Wicker was just about the weakest choice for us. Chip Pickering and Amy Tuck were the two top choices for the seat, but both took a pass. Pickering is apparently fed up with Congress.
Smart money says Chip runs for governor. I suspect that Tuck will as well. Either would have won this Senate seat in a walk.