One Republican official said that Lott's office had informed White House officials beforhand of his decision.Despite rampant speculation that Lott would demand a committee chairmanship or some other consolation prize, this official said Lott was stepping down with no strings attached.Lott, 61 has been Senate GOP Leader sinc 1996 when Robert Dole, (Republican-Kansas) left the U.S. Senate to devote full time to his presidential bid.