I consider Lott a bigger impediment to Conservative causes than the Democrats. He may vote conservatively but he is incapable of the political maneuvering necessary to defeat the Democrats. He has almost no political sense. He seems to treat the Senate as a type of club where it is more important not to alienate any of the members than it is to fight for your causes.
In fact, the most hardball political move I've seen him pull was when he pushed up the vote on majority leader so that his opponents wouldn't have time to organize against him.
If only he would have used ruthlessness on the Democrats but he is incapable or unwilling. He had his chance to lead. He doesn't deserve another.
I agree. If we could get absolute commitments from Snowe and Chaffee (and McCain) that they would remain Republicans, I would want Lott gone this second. At this time, however, we cannot do anything that jeopardizes getting our judges confirmed.