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Just stopping by this thread to ask you an important question. How good is Nickles at legislating? The primary responsibility of the Majority Leader is to organize legislative maneuvers, get bills passed in an orderly way, and (I know some people hate to hear this) work on compromises to get as much passed as possible.

Is Nickles one who can do this with any success? Frankly, it doesn't matter if he is likeable on television if he is not able to get through the roadblocks Daschle will put up. Lott was pretty effective at that...unfortunately, he is not always an effective speaker.

Now, I am willing to wait and see how things work out before I start pushing for a Lott replacement. It does us no good to trade one problem for another.

It is helpful to remember that speaking ability is not the most important aspect of this position.

Perhaps someone who knows about Nickles' abiities in this area could contribute to the thread.

Also, I think pushing Nickles too much at this juncture would be unhelpful to his chances. I know you think that Lott would be voted against by all but the liberals I listed above; however, Lott actually has friends in the Senate, and people who owe him favors. Nickles could still lose by not having enough votes.

Nickles is very smart, a good tactician, and has a very good strategic sense.

He has shown the ability to forge good working relationships with his colleagues...relationship that are built on trust.

He's a bit more conservative than Hastert, IMO, but has the same kind of low-key ability to get things done without alot of rigamarole.

Like one previous poster said and backed up with a great anecdote, the last thing liberals want is a guy like Nickles. That speaks volumes.

Miss Marple, he didn't get to be Lott's second-in-command without legislative talent. He has what it takes to be a very good Majority Leader...one who will fit with the leadership mix in the House and in the White House very well.

As to the timing, that is a game that is being played out on the Hill, and will be decided by the President, his political advisors and 51 Republican Senators...but nonetheless, active Republicans should contribute to that process by making their thoughts and feelings known to our elected representatives.