[MayflowerMadam]

"I think the re-election of Trent Lott to the leadership indicates the elected republicans have learned nothing."

Seems like the same mindset that ran Dole for President -- good ol' boys given the power spots, even though they may not be effective.

[Heman11]

That's right, the protection of incumbency. My theory is that we need to retool the primary system. I would like to see the house and senate walk their candidates to the gate, kiss them on the cheek, pat them on the ass and say good luck; that's it. No help from the senatorial election committee during the primaries. You're on your own! Save the help for the general election... I'm telling you that the reason Dewine lost in the general, was that Ohioan conservative voters felt helpless to the point that 6 years of Brown would be worth it to get rid of that RINO.