should he care to retire then rather than serve his entire term.
In other words, make him an offer he cant refuse!
Lott would be replaced by a rat. He is holding all the cards.
The Rat could only serve 90 days before a special election would be held. You really think Lott is going to be effective in getting anything done in the next 90 days?
BTW, that brings us to 50-50 where we were two years ago. It doesnt toss control to the Dems. Chafee and the others arent going to jump because it has to be clear to them what's going to occur in 2004 (additional Republicans in Senate). They dont want to end up with an office next to Jeffords in outer siberia.