Lott-o-Mania! Leadership Sources Say Apologies Won't Stop Senate Caucus Vote

The American Spectator ^ | December 16, 2002 | The Washington Prowler

[ewing]

Over the weekend, it was determined by Senate Republicans that the best way to approach a Lott removal was by calling for a new round of elections for leadership positions.

Lott had made a point of calling for early caucus elections after the November general elections, in part to avoid a challenge from the likes of Don Nickels and Mitch McConnell.

'Lott is trying to avoid a caucus meeting a caucus vote at all costs,' says a senior leadership staffer.

'He knows that if the caucus gets together, all that is required is a motion and several seconds from the floor and a new round of votes could occur.'

Yet being removed by colleagues in a new vote would allow Lott to save face in a way that resigning under pressure would not. It would free him to remain in the Senate and not jeopardize the GOP's majority position.

The caucus game plan appeared to play out on Sunday, as Nickels called for new elections and several other Republicans seemed to indicate that they would be supportive of that.

'Now it is just wait and see,' says the leadership staffer.

'But it is clear that Lott's mea culpas are just not enough now.'

[ewing]

I think this settles it, Trent will be staying in the Senate.

[jrlc]

Lott will stay in the Senate, but not as Leader -- he sealed his fate when he opposed the conviction of Klintoon in the Senate, then he let that numb-nuts from Vermont defect to the RATS. Lott rightly lost the support of Republicans who need a stronger Leader to accomplish what Bush wants done in the next term. His typical stupidity running his mouth just made his removal as Leader possible.

[TaRaRaBoomDeAyGoreLostToday!]

I think Nickles wants this ML position bad.

[ewing]

I'm glad, Nichols would be a good leader.

[ewing]

I honestly think that what has doomed Lott as a leader is the non-support of a fair trial at impeachment in 1998. (plus the cozying up to Democrats and dealmaking in general)

Anykind of support from the grassroots would have shot this story down last week..

[TaRaRaBoomDeAyGoreLostToday!]

Don Nickles On The Issues

[TaRaRaBoomDeAyGoreLostToday!]

Mitch_McConnell On The Issues

[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

What doomed Trent Lott is he has no real friends. When you get in trouble, fierce loyalties save you. He doesn't have anyone on his side. He is a self-serving person and everyone knows it.

[Bluntpoint]

"What doomed Trent Lott is he has no real friends. When you get in trouble, fierce loyalties save you. He doesn't have anyone on his side. He is a self-serving person and everyone knows it."

Lott has always been a glad handing back stabber who does whats good for Trent first.

Good riddens!

[TaRaRaBoomDeAyGoreLostToday!]

I think Rick Santorum should be the Majority Leader.

Rick Santorum On The Issues

[steveegg]

Lott will stay in the Senate, but not as Leader -- he sealed his fate when he opposed the conviction of Klintoon in the Senate, then he let that numb-nuts from Vermont defect to the RATS.

Er, if Lott hadn't been near a microphone at Strom Thurmond's birthday party, he would still be running the Senate. While I agree that those earlier actions should have DQ'ed Lott from further participation in the Senate leadership, the gutless wonders that are Lott's fellow travellers valued obscurity so much that they wanted Lott to continue "leading" them back to obscurity. IMHO, it's the fact that even if they make it back to the minority that they can't remain obscure with Lott as leader that is sealing Lott's fate.

[steveegg]

Whew; we won't be seeing Illegitimate "Majority" Leader Tom Daschle just yet. BTW, great title.

[jporcus]

Lott is weak and does not really have the respect of his colleagues. I'll never forget how SURE he was the Jeffords would not switch, going so far as publicly announcing this. And then only a day or two afterwards, ...

Regardless, he made a stupid statement that says something bad about him, and by extension, Republicans, and this needs to be fixed immediately.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Please explain how Lott being removed by his colleagues would allow him to save face?

If I were a Republican senator, especially one uncomfortable with unbending conservatives, I'd strongly consider switing to "independent" and voting my conscience issue by issue.

Who needs to be a part of a caucas that lives to eat its own.

[ItsTheMediaStupid]

gutless wonders that are Lott's fellow travellers valued obscurity so much that they wanted Lott to continue "leading" them back to obscurity.

Bet they make sure Lot resigns from the Senate, and agree to share power with the Senate, maybe make sure Chafee switchs. How much should we bet?

[Princeliberty]

Lott will not resign form the Senate no matter what.
After kicked out of leadership he probably not run
for another term.
If nothing else Bush would promise him something
to keep form resigning form Senate.
So that will no happen. Democrats just
wish it would.
Lott is toast though.

[steveegg]

No bet. Chafee is leaping essentially no matter what.

The only bet I would entertain (if I could make it to Nevada) is what date does Tom Daschle regain his illegitimate "majority". I've already claimed July 15, 2003.

[eeriegeno]

For the dems, it makes no difference if Lott stays on as SML. They already got what they wanted out of Lott's mindless remarks. That is, a Republican party (which just delivered them a major defeat in the Nov election) that is now in turmoil. And even the President got in on the fracas. Seems to me that Lott should stay as SML. I think that he has learned well the lesson, 'never trust a Daschle'. By all rights, Lott should have tapped the gavel for adjournment before they all left DC for the holidays..... But, he gave his short buddy a pass by letting him stay in charge. Live and learn, I guess.......

[Consort]

Santorum is a good man but he doesn't project a strong leadership persona. Under these circumstances, and in the interest of party unity, neither Nickles nor McConnell should replace Lott (for the time being). I think that Kay Bailey Hutchison can be tough when necessary and would draw less fire from the Dems while while the GOP passes tax cuts, bans partial birth abortions, confirms judges/justices, etc.

[steveegg]

Who needs to be a part of a caucas that lives to eat its own.

Sell that message to Rep. Charlie Stenholm (D-TX) and the few moderate Democrats that exist in the House first. Try selling that to Zell Miller. Until you do successfully, don't try to sell that line to Senate Republicans.