Arthur - I think u r wrong. I think Lott is stupid and worse, after all. If by now you've read his 3rd apology, you will have noticed he apologized at length for the segregationist sentiments of his remarks, admitting that as he gets older he makes mistakes and continues to learn lessons about "tolerating others".
As you can see, the Rats are eating him alive, while Republicans serve the whine. Lott's position is simply untenable.
He pled guilty and apologized. The point is he was guilty and Republican credibility on the crucial electoral issue of racial reconciliation was put on the line. Lott must lose; he would do well to salvage his seat for the balance of this, his final Senate term.
Lott shouldn't have survived Clinton's Senate acquittal anyway. He gave the worst president in history a pass for no good reason. And he rolled over again and again for the Democrats on every issue. When did Lott ever lead? I say fk 'em.