Breaking: Trent Lott to resign? Update: Kyl to replace as minority whip?
posted at 8:37 am on November 26, 2007 by Allahpundit
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Bad on pork, bad on racial issues, bad on amnesty, and hostile to the one media weapon conservatives wield simply because it dared to challenge him. Like Mark Levin, I shall not miss him.
After almost 20 years of spooning out pork, it’s time for him to get fed.
The senator, after 34 years of public service in Congress is not wealthy like many of his colleagues and has talked for some time about leaving so he could earn more money.
So, aides said, the senator decided to leave by year’s end to circumvent new lobbying rules — instituted by Congress this year and effective in 2008 — that that would bar members from lobbying their colleagues after two years.
The so-called “revolving door” policy in effect now keeps former members from lobbying their colleagues for one year. The changes were made in the wake of the scandal surrounding former lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Any Mississippians want to venture a guess whom Haley Barbour will appoint? Barbour himself would be a solid choice but he was re-elected last year. The lieutenant governor, Amy Tuck, is young and famous in the area for having switched from the Democrats to the Republicans in 2002 but she just took a job with MSU.
Whoever it is had better be able to pay his own way in the special election because we’re busted, kids.
Update: NBC thinks Barbour may appoint Rep. Chip Pickering.
Update: The GOP shouldn’t have much trouble holding this seat.
Update: One amnesty supporter to replace another as minority whip? NBC says Lott’s handpicked successor is Jon Kyl.
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It’s like Christmas.
Slublog on November 26, 2007 at 8:45 AM
Levin is going to be on fire tonight.
JammieWearingFool on November 26, 2007 at 8:46 AM
Finally, some good news this morning. Maybe him, Lindsay Gramnesty and Senator Toilet sex can find a street corner to work together.
austinnelly on November 26, 2007 at 8:47 AM
Gee…..it feels like Mr. Haney, on Green Acres, just quit.
What’ll we do?
Limerick on November 26, 2007 at 8:55 AM
Am I too jaded when I think that there must be a really interesting backstory to this resignation? Nobody just walks unexpectedly after 34 years of “public service.” The excuse ranks right up there with wanting to spend more time with the family too.
highhopes on November 26, 2007 at 8:59 AM
He needed to go !
DoctorDentons on November 26, 2007 at 8:59 AM
He needs the extra time to outsmart those clever goats of his.
captivated_dem on November 26, 2007 at 9:05 AM
Buh Bye,
Hey Trent, don’t let the door hit ya ok big boy.
liberrocky on November 26, 2007 at 9:05 AM
Good riddance to that moron. I would rather a boll weevil Democrat then a RINO like Lott. Let him take his girl friend Miss Lidsey Graham with him.
Hilts on November 26, 2007 at 9:06 AM
Please no Lamar Alexander replacing him either. What is it with GOP senators from Tennessee? They are terminably boring and lazy.
Hilts on November 26, 2007 at 9:08 AM
Retiring early to circumvent lobbying restrictions? Doesn’t that, um, defeat the purpose?
e-pirate on November 26, 2007 at 9:09 AM
Wow is THIS great news. Lott is a Democrat and ALWAYS has been. His conversion to the GOP was merely to stay electable in a changing state. His sentiment and agenda was never with the GOP. A wolf in sheep’s clothing, the gift horse led through the gates, a chimera.
Glad he’s going and hope it’s true.
Warner Todd Huston on November 26, 2007 at 9:10 AM
Hope Lott spares us the tell-all book where he skewers Bush, the Republican party and the voters.
JiangxiDad on November 26, 2007 at 9:11 AM
Hit the bricks you p—y.
LtE126 on November 26, 2007 at 9:11 AM
Alabama has 5 Republican Congressmen in office. Could be one of them
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jo_Bonner
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terry_Everett
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_D._Rogers
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Aderholt
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spencer_Bachus
William Amos on November 26, 2007 at 9:13 AM
Ok, so I looked up the likely replacements Politico named on immigration. Pickering received 0% from FAIR. Wicker received 100%.
amerpundit on November 26, 2007 at 9:18 AM
Just a month early.
Of course, the bad news is he’ll still be twisting arms, just as a lobbyist.
steveegg on November 26, 2007 at 9:18 AM
Well that was a screw up I put up Alabama’s Republicans when its Mississippi that has Trent Lott
William Amos on November 26, 2007 at 9:19 AM
(Dude, ixnay on the istmasChray; it’s HotAir.)
It’s like the Winter Festival of Lights! He will not be missed, the pig.
Jaibones on November 26, 2007 at 9:20 AM
Wow. Trent Lott is not conservative enough for HotAir? Jeez. I’m no fan of the guy, but if he’s a RINO, who are the real Republicans?
Big S on November 26, 2007 at 9:22 AM
The man will need some bucks to get him through ’til he can legally start lobbying. Look for a quick book to earn some quick bucks.
Lott got screwed by the WH when he was, more or less, forced to resign his leadership role over his ??racial?? comment which didn’t amount to a hill of beans. He was an ineffective Senator and leader so I wasn’t upset when he was forced out. I said ‘good riddance’ then and I say it now. I don’t wish you Lotts and Lotts of luck in the future.
OBX Pete on November 26, 2007 at 9:26 AM
GOOD RIDDANCE! Another fake conservative/open borders fraud resigns. Hagel, Warner and now this creep. Thank the Lord above for blogs and talk radio
GogglesPisano on November 26, 2007 at 9:26 AM
It is about time this putz did something positive for the party and the nation. I will not miss his smiling face. Do you think he will lobby against talk radio and the blogs…What bothers me is he is going off to make money dashing b.s. for cash above the table instead of below it.
jimwesty on November 26, 2007 at 9:27 AM
Some good news to start the day.
balderdash on November 26, 2007 at 9:30 AM
Could be but I’ve got to think that Mississippi will want to pick one of its own citizens.
highhopes on November 26, 2007 at 9:32 AM
Chip Pickering is the odds on favorite to replace Lott.
d1carter on November 26, 2007 at 9:32 AM
Sorry, didn’t see the Update, Allah.
d1carter on November 26, 2007 at 9:33 AM
Trent Lott’s views on illegal immigration, his vocal support for amnesty for illegal aliens, and his criticism of his base really disappointed many conservatives. Trent Lott was an Establishment, Washington DC type of Republican who simply lost contact with his base and the voters.
ColtsFan on November 26, 2007 at 9:40 AM
<expletive deleted>
steveegg on November 26, 2007 at 9:41 AM
Good riddance.
petefrt on November 26, 2007 at 9:48 AM
Lott is resigning?
It must have been those evil folks on talk radio that done him in, fer sure.
Always Right on November 26, 2007 at 9:50 AM
By-by a$$wipe! Good riddance to bad rubbish.
conservnut on November 26, 2007 at 9:51 AM
Some people here do use the word RINO for just about any person who deviates a sixteenth of an inch from some holy, revealed right-wing truth. Don’t let that word distract from the real issues with Lott’s politics relative to the HotAir fan club: his open borders stance and his pork barrel spending. And then there is the problem that Lott is a smug elitist a******.
thuja on November 26, 2007 at 10:22 AM
Hey Lott, don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
Clark1 on November 26, 2007 at 10:25 AM
He also is a bigot and a good ole boy with the likes of Ted Kennedy. Name anything that ass**** accomplished as majority leader?
Hilts on November 26, 2007 at 10:31 AM
Newsflash: Haley Barbour loves pork too. He can’t get enough of it. Arguably, Mississippi would be one helluva shitbucket if Lott, Shelby, and Barbour weren’t card carrying members of the Pork Barrel Caucus.
The Mississippi delegation is united in maintaining the capital surplus with the federal government. Give a dollar, get a dollar and change. That’s not going to change because Trent Lott is resigning.
gabriel sutherland on November 26, 2007 at 10:37 AM
I’ll never forget the smug, oily smile on his face as he ushered his fellow Senators in to vote on Clinton’s removal from office. I knew the moment I saw it the cause was lost.
The “collegial atmosphere of the Senate” meant EVERYTHING to Lott.
S. Weasel on November 26, 2007 at 10:38 AM
We should have a party on the day he leaves office. He is the poster child for term limits. the fact he is leaving so he can cash in on his influence is both perfect and disgusting.
Bill C on November 26, 2007 at 10:41 AM
Addition by subtraction.
thirteen28 on November 26, 2007 at 11:03 AM
Trent and his RINO ilk must be feeling underappreciated after all these years.
What they don’t realize is the gut reaction to big government by the average American is the same emotion one gets after being robbed.
Taxation without representation is stealing.
Valiant on November 26, 2007 at 11:08 AM
Pickering is a good man and will do a better job. I’ve always thought Chip would be good presidential material on account of his age, looks, charisma, intelligence, etc.
This works out well because when Chip eventually has to face Democrat and former MS Attorney General Mike Moore for that seat, he’ll already be the incumbent.
SillyRyno on November 26, 2007 at 11:26 AM
Adios, Trent.
Bad Candy on November 26, 2007 at 11:32 AM
It will probably be Pickering, Roger Wicker, or Charlie Ross. It will probably be Pickering or Wicker, but pray we get Ross: Air Force Academy grad, strong conservative, successfully sponsored castle doctrine legislation last year. A no-shit kinda guy, and just what the Senate needs more of.
greggriffith on November 26, 2007 at 12:21 PM
I hope one of the judges that the democrats refuse to let out of conference gets picked. I’m not sure if any of them are from Mississippi, but that would be a hoot to see them blow up over that! Janice Brown, anyone?!?!
SouthernGent on November 26, 2007 at 12:25 PM
Like Mark Levin, I shall not miss him.
–
Ditto that
–
He should have resigned the day the Senate refused to move forward with an Impeachment trial and abrogated their constitutional duties and , imo, inflicted great harm on the Republic’s image here and abroad.
normsrevenge on November 26, 2007 at 12:31 PM
As a replacement for Lott too bad we cannot have William Barksdale (former Mississippi congressman and Confederate Brigadier General killed at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863 at the head of his brigade).
Hilts on November 26, 2007 at 12:33 PM
Took 17 shots to take Barksdale off his horse too!!
SillyRyno on November 26, 2007 at 12:43 PM
Despite the amnesty, John Kyl is an excellent senator, one of the best on the judiciary committee. He will be a perfect replacement as minority whip.
Complete7 on November 26, 2007 at 12:46 PM
Bye, Trent. [THWACK!] Oh geeze, sorry about the door hitting ya’. [THWACK! THWACK!] Dang, it keeps slipping…
Jon Kyle? [THWACK!] Stay out! [CRASH!]
Oh well, it was fun while it lasted.
I can see now why instead of putting pro immigration enforcement GOP candidates up for election the GOP has chosen to put wealthy candidates that can afford not to rely on popular support to pay for their campaigns. Perhaps it’s a way to work-around the sentiments of the Parties base on certain issues that the GOP is out of step with.
FloatingRock on November 26, 2007 at 12:55 PM
“The most magnificent charge ever mad by man!”
Hilts on November 26, 2007 at 1:05 PM
I have Don Troiani’s Barksdale print in my house:
http://www.historicalartprints.com/images/product_large/barksdales_charge_lg.jpg
SillyRyno on November 26, 2007 at 1:16 PM
Update from the Washington Post. Seems of the early discussion has been overcome by events.
Update: Under Mississippi election law, a 90 day special Senate election would be held if Lott formally resigns before the end of 2007.
But, that seems unlikely as a special election would put the seat in far more danger than if Barbour appointed a successor that would stand next November.
Since Lott has control over his formal resignation date, it seems likely he will wait until early January to make if official.
On the candidate front, an informed Republican source said Barbour’s’choice is very likely to not be Rep. Chip Pickering, although no other obvious alternative was offered.
As for the Democrats, former state attorney general Mike Moore is still the top pick but Rep. Gene Taylor and former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove are also mentioned.
highhopes on November 26, 2007 at 1:32 PM
Another political pig in perpetuity calls it quits in the Republican party. I guess they’ve done all the damage that they can do. It’s time for a change. Yes, by all means, lobby the remaining pigs.
OhEssYouCowboys on November 26, 2007 at 2:10 PM
Off to live like a lord, on the tax dollars of those he served so poorly.
Hening on November 26, 2007 at 2:16 PM
Summarizing further updates from the WaPo:
- The special election will be the fall general in 2008.
- Haley Barbour is not interested.
- Pickering’s being pooh-poohed in favor of Roger Wicker because of the money factor (of course, Wicker doesn’t have even $600K in the bank).
- Clear the decks on the Dhimm side for Mike Moore.
steveegg on November 26, 2007 at 4:34 PM
I should know better than to trust the WaPo; Pickering had $761,000 in the bank.
steveegg on November 26, 2007 at 4:42 PM
NOTE: PerezHilton.com, a huge celeb block that gets lots of traffic….is reporting that Lott has a “Gay Escort Scandal” brewing. Probably anti-repub propaganda, but its being widely read.
http://perezhilton.com/?p=9452
his source is, http://bigheaddc.com/2007/11/26/trent-lott-fallout-the-gay-escort-who-knew-too-much/
jp on November 26, 2007 at 7:00 PM
NOTE: PerezHilton.com, a huge celeb block that gets lots of traffic….is reporting that Lott has a “Gay Escort Scandal”
Already debunked
liberrocky on November 26, 2007 at 9:39 PM
Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!
JellyToast on November 26, 2007 at 10:40 PM
I will miss his hair.
saved on November 27, 2007 at 7:17 AM
DLTDHYWTGLSY
flutejpl on November 27, 2007 at 11:14 AM
If Barbour appointed Kyl that would change ny opinion of Barbour. I liked the way Barbour represented his state during Katrina.
I checked on Pickering. He was a member of Trent Lott’s staff for some years. I couldn’t find anything about immigration on Pickering’s site, but I liked the chicken labeling bill. He is given a zero rating by FAIR on immigration
He recently announced he was ending his service in Congress. Pickering sounds like a mini-Lott
entagor on November 27, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Kyl is a sellout—shamnesty supporter. He is Lott-lite.
saved on November 28, 2007 at 12:06 AM
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