Lott faces ouster as Senate leader

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2002

Incoming Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (R-Mississippi) was described as "weakened" by the chamber's second-ranking Republican, prompting talk of an impending ouster for racially divisive comments he made over a week ago.

Sen. Don Nickles (R-Okla.) made his remarks yesterday on ABC's "This Week." He said: "I am concerned Senator Lott has been weakened to the point that it may jeopardize his ability to enact our agenda and speak to all Americans."

No other Republican in the Senate has made similar remarks. Publicly, they have all stood by Lott even as President Bush rebuked him for suggesting the nation would have been better off if the races were segregated.

Lott this week plans to appear on Black Entertainment Television (BET) to talk more about his remarks. On Friday, he apologized a fourth time and said he does not support segregation, although he has admitted in the past that he did.

Get the Story:
Gore Stuns Many by Choosing Not to Run for President in '04 (The Washington Post 12/16)
Four Singled Out As Being Potential Successors to Lott (The Washington Post 12/16)
No. 2 Republican in Senate Calls for Vote on Lott (The New York Times 12/16)
Username: indianzcom, Password: indianzcom

Relevant Links:
Sen. Trent Lott - http://lott.senate.gov