I'm surprised that you'd negotiate with a terrorist of Lott's pathetic stature.
Well no need to rush before crossing the Rubicon. If bouncing him in January is indicated given the pace of events, will then it should be done even if it costs the GOP a seat. But it is a huge price to be paid, and should only be done if it is clear that the longer term benefits outweigh the costs. That calculation need not be done now, before more of the dominos have fallen, or not fallen. But as I say, when it is convenient, Lott's political influence needs to ended in the GOP. He needs to become to the GOP what Traficant was to the Dems. I am simply suggesting patience and perserverance.
Come to think of it, given that the story has come out that Lott did blackmail the caucus, if it is true, he may have forced the caucus to dump him sooner rather than later. I didn't think of that angle. GOP senators don't want to be viewed or charged as blackmailees. Isn't it absolutely mad that Lott would do this blackmail on a conference call with 27 participants! If only he had read Caro's book on LBJ, he would know to do it one on one in private offices. The guy really is a loose cannon, and an idiot.
Let me repeat it once again, Lott is a jerk.