Just about everyone in the world who knows how this was handled agrees that Lott moved the election up to forestall a challenge. The election is rarely held a week after the election, contrary to your contention. You should read more of the stories concerning this tactic by Lott.
I must say that I am sorely disappointed in a lot of people on this forum. We all reviled the Democrats for supporting their people regardless of their actions. While I don't believe Lott is a racist, the statement he hade was politically stupid, and has harmed not only him but all conservative issues, candidates and nominees.
Do I want to lose the Senate majority? No. Am I looking for ideological purity? No. Do I think this is fair? No. But if Lott stays as ML, we will have two years of no progress on any conservative issues. He will be so busy trying to rehabilitate himself with the Dems, he will become even more accommodating - and will still allow the entire Republican party to be painted as racist, simply by remaining ML. If he throws a tantrum and resigns the Senate, that would be bad, but what does it say about him to make that kind of threat, and what does it say about us that we would cave to such tactics?
This is a letter I sent to Senator Lott this morning:
Senator Lott,
Although I am not a resident of Mississippi, as a lifelong Republican I feel that your position as Senate Majority Leader makes me a constituent of yours. As such, I felt it necessary to contact you regarding the current political fire-storm in which you find yourself.
Let me say at the outset that I do not believe for a minute that you are racist. Coming from Texas originally, I know how certain expressions and turns of phrase can insinuate themselves into a person's conversation. However unfair this attack may seem, even after your repeated apologies, the fact is that your ability to be an effective leader has been severely damaged. My hope is that your dedication to our country and to the common conservative principles that we share will outweigh any desire for personal position or power.
It is obvious that the Democrats are salivating over the prospects resulting from this incident. On one hand, if you remain as Majority Leader, you become a lightning rod, a reason to oppose every piece of legislation and nominee conservatives hope to advance. On the other hand, a statement has been attributed to you, that if forced to step down from leadership that you would resign your Senate seat, thus throwing the Senate back to a 50-50 tie, awaiting only a defection by Lincoln Chaffee or some other liberal Republican to return control to the Democrats. This would fulfill the Democrats desires as well, and would damage the nation and the conservative cause. I believe and hope that you are a man of stronger convictions than that.
It has become obvious that you have lost the confidence of the people you hope to lead, both within the Senate and without. My hope would be that you would meet with the Senate Leadership team and help to select a strong replacement for yourself. Rather than put the party through a divisive ordeal, take the initiative yourself. Put the party, your state, and the country first in your considerations. Arrange a committee chairmanship for yourself that would allow you to help the people of your state, and then step down and support a candidate for Majority Leader who can advance the political agenda that we all support - smaller government, pro-life, lower taxes, conservative judges.
There are many who expect that, if forced out as Majority Leader, you will become petty and vindictive. I believe you are a better man than that. What has happened is not fair, but it is real, and you must admit that you struck the match that started this fire-storm. I hope that you will accept that responsibility with grace and dignity, and will take the steps that are in the best interest of the country.
I will pray for you, that God grants you grace, wisdom and peace.
Best Regards,