[twyn1]

Are you sure the story about his "blackmail" threat is true ? If it is -- I wonder why he only shows some spine when he's dealing with his own party ? I have NEVER been impressed by Trent, and yes I think he should go as ML, but I agree with wotan -- let's get the important stuff done (judgeships, PBA, tax cut) -- then toss him (not from the Senate, just from SML position)! Now -- if he totally turns weasel and folds to Democratic pressure, refusing to bring votes up, etc. -- if that happens -- I don't know what the Republicans in Senate should do ? Is there such a thing as a vote of "no-confidence" ? And if that happened would Lott thumb his nose at his party and resign from the Senate ? -- if this blackmail story is true-- he probably would -- gosh how I WISH the South Dakota (Thune/Johnson) count would be proven to be fraudulent -- grrrrr !

[doug from upland]

He would be out already had we won in Louisiana. That election is now much more critical than it appeared. We really needed that seat.

[Starboard]

Is there such a thing as a vote of "no-confidence" ? And if that happened would Lott thumb his nose at his party and resign from the Senate ?

I doubt that he would resign. IMO this would be an act of self immolation that would leave him hated by both parties. He's too weak and compromised to remain as a leader. He needs to go.

[aristeides]

The article in this morning's Washington Post specifically says Lott was not on the conference call where he is supposed to have made the threat, and it attributes the threat to "allies" of Lott's, without any indication Lott was behind them.