[IronJack]

If the GOP "leaders" were so concerned about Lott, why did they just re-elect him to the Majority Leader's position? For the second time?

They had their chance to throw this bum out after the elections. Instead, they reanointed him to the seat and look what he's done for them.

[rightwing2]

If the GOP "leaders" were so concerned about Lott, why did they just re-elect him to the Majority Leader's position? For the second time?

Fear--plain and simple. Lott is a powerful man and fairly vindictive in crushing potential challenges to his leadership. Nickles had announced he would challenge Lott if the GOP won the majority back, but Lott got him to back down. Now, sadly, Lott will become the Newt Gingrich political albatross of the Republican Party that will be used by the RATS to successfully mobilize their base and help them win back both houses of Congress in 2004. Very sad, if he is not replaced because the Republicans will be paralyzed in the Senate and their hold on power made even more tenuous and temporary. I believe in doing what is best for the Republican Party and removing Lott from the Senate leadership is clearly what is best for the party at this time.