Lott to Resign the Senate Seat

Mississippi Senator Trent Lott surprisingly announced his resignation of his position at Pascagoula, Mississippi, where he grew up and served four terms. The 66-year old will leave the post before the end of the year, where a new law is set into action stating that senators must wait two years before lobbying former senators. Lott also had diminished power when he commented a bit on segregation, but quickly regained the public confidence. The 35-year career of the Mississippi Senator will not be ended because of the law, says Lott. He has declared intentions to a vague 'do something else' and financial commitments. The seat that was not expected to be empty until 2012 will be filled again 10 days after the official resignation and an election will be held for the seat on November 4th, 2008. After Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour announced that he will not participate in the running, eyes fell upon two current House representatives, Roger Wicker and Charles W. Pickering Jr.

Lott is the sixth Republican senator to resign his seat. In the upcoming election, the Republican Party will defend 23 slots while the Democratic Party will defend 12. Senators Jon Kyl and Lamar Alexander of Arizona and Tennessee, respectively, are vying for control of the whip position (the whip ensures that all members of the party will vote as the leadership decides). According to plans, Kyl will take the spot and Alexander will support.