There is something to be said for this view. However, race is really unique as an issue where Republicans need to be careful. Not so much for the sake of thin-skinned blacks, but also for the sake of swing voters who will judge harshly careless statement on just this one topic. It shouldn't be all that hard to remember this.
Reality is, Lott has little chance to hand on the his ML position. However, by moving to the left this last week, he is making it worse for his party. Now they will be saying that the next ML is even more conservative than Lott, and it will almost have to be true.
Racist.
Look up his record before you start making assumptions. Where do you think he should be sending jobs (like ship building) instead of to HIS OWN STATE that he represents, for crying out loud? Why do you think he keeps getting elected? It takes more than just whites to vote for him.