“I am pretty sure Lee removed himself from any consideration some time ago, of course that was then.”
That’s the key - time can change ones perspective. He can continue to be a Senator for the next 20-30 years, be one of 100 voices and constantly politicking - or he can have a lifetime appointment that initially will be the now-conservative deciding vote at least until the Court has another conservative appointment. His father, Rex Lee, was one of the greatest appellate litigators in the country with Sidley Austin, and I believe at the time had argued more Supreme Court cases than anyone alive then. I can’t imagine Senator Lee passing up the opportunity - it’s in his blood. And this is probably his best shot due to his status as a Senator with the battle brewing over this nomination.
At one time I thought Lee would run for President and likely win, now not so much.