Not true - - Kennedy isn't up for leadership post. If he were, I think Mary Jo would be an issue.
Likewise with Byrd. If he wanted to be Dem leader, you'd hear about his KKK past.
Same thing seems to be applying to Lott - it's because he's the GOP LEADER that his comments invite scrutiny. A back bencher wouldn't get the attention.
Byrd was Senate Dem leader for 12 years back in the 70's and 80's. I didn't hear a peep out of anybody then.
He is currently chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee (a position he preferred to being party leader) and president pro tem of the Senate, fourth in the line of presidential succession. If the Dems succeed in retaining a Senate majority out of this, he'll retain both positions. Even if they don't, he'll still be ranking member of the Appropriations Committee, no weak position.