[Theodore R.]

Nickles had been assistant minority leader before the GOP took control of the Senate after the 2002 elections and was expected to be Lott's right hand in the new Republican-led Senate.

Unfortunately, Senator Nickles had a chance to challenge Lott BEFORE the ridiculous Strom Thurmond birthday escapade, and he backed away. He missed his golden opportunity. Now he no longer seems to want to stay in the Senate. Hopefully, Istook, who seems to have the desire to serve, can win this seat. Do you think Istook will be hurt by his being a native Texan?

[Theodore R.]

Senator Nickles reminds me of the old adage: "strike while the iron is hot." He demurred, then Lott was replaced by another "squishy" Republican. He sadly missed his chance to lead. Yet, he may have known that the other GOP senators would not have approve him as the leader.

[The Old Hoosier]

Istook would be just as good as Nickles as a senator.

[nickcarraway]

ping

[nickcarraway]

But Nickles was in a tough spot to do that, because he was the assitant monority leader, so it would look disloyal. Plus, if you fail, well... If you are in Nickles position, you usually have to wait to inherit the position.

[jbstrick]

I know Sentator Nickles personally. We hare from the same hometown, I served in his Wash DC office in the Summer of 1996, etc. That being said....

He has higher aspirations than the Senate. In my opinion, he will return home to run for Governor and then ..... (fill in your office here, I think prez.) No senator has ever won the presidency.

He will run.

Istook will fill the shoes of Nickles nicely