[aristeides]

Ordinarily, president pro-tem is nothing but a ceremonial role in the Senate with no real power.

It is, however, fourth in the line of presidential succession. Black leaders have been repeatedly making false claims that Lott was in the line of presidential succession, when in fact he was (and is) not, and Byrd is.

That's ignoring the fact that Byrd is also chairman of the Appropriations Committee, which, far from being a merely ceremonial position, is an extremely powerful one.

[Bonaparte]

No question about it, aristeides -- Byrd chairs Appropriations (till January) which is a powerful post. I guess that's why I didn't say Byrd was without power. Instead, I pointed out his seniority and prestige, both of which he will keep even in the minority. Frankly, I doubt the Republicans will go after him as I would. More's the pity.