[Poohbah]

First, if Lott steps down, he's done in the Senate.

If he doesn't step down, he gives the Democrats a license to filibuster anything and everything, and allows them to NOT look petty and partisan while doing so. Essentially, he's just killed the entire GOP agenda for two years if he stays on.

I don't think his resignation is needed--just a swift, peremptory, SILENT removal from the leadership post.

Second, Bush can benefit from a weakened Lott to take the arrows for him.

Sorry, Bush would end up being in the position of taking arrows that are rightfully Lott's.

[ApesForEvolution]

What, Poohbah, you haven't been smeared a communist RAT yet? If it matters to you, you'd better change your tune about the mushy GOP's beloved Lott...I doubt you will, either, though. I've been to the right of the GOP most of my life, at least since Ronaldus Maximus. What would Ronaldus have to say were he to be in 100% possession of his great faculties?

[aristeides]

Where do you think the Republican agenda is going if the Republicans lose the majority in the Senate?