When he does step down the republicans should demand that Byrd gives up his seniority position on the budget committee for his use of the n-word. It makes me sick to see some of the reporters who ignored Byrd's outrage totally talking about this. When Jeffords jumped, Byrd became president pro tempore of the Senate, thus fourth in the line of succession to the presidency. He still is, until such time as the Republicans officially take control of the Senate, which may end up not happening now. If the result of this Lott flap is to return majority control of the Senate to the RATs, Byrd will continue to be president pro tem, fourth in the line of succession?
Given his history, why can't that be made an issue?
I don't think he should leave the senate, not even the democrats are asking that. He should resign the leadership post, and we'd still have 51 seats. You point about senate pro tem byrd is right on. In fact is'nt it mr byrd who would be behind the house speaker to become president?