Lott's Resignation Would Touch Off Intense Fight For Senate Seat (Lott Resigned Today)

Washington Post ^ | 11/26/07 | Chris Cillizza

[freespirited]

The news that Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) will resign his seat creates a vacancy that aspiring pols have been waiting for.

The rules of succession remain somewhat blurry, although the most likely outcome is that Gov. Barbour will appoint Lott's' replacement with a special election held next November to fill the four years on Lott's'term.

For Republicans, the most oft-mentioned names are Reps. Roger Wicker and Chip Pickering. Both once served as staffers for Lott and have deep ties in the state's Republican politics. Pickering is leaving his House seat at the end of this term.

On the Democratic side, all eyes will be on former state Attorney General Mike Moore. By far the most popular Democratic politician in the state, Moore was rumored to be interested in a 2008 race if Thad Cochran (R) had retired and could well be convinced now to run for Lott's seat.

If not Moore, it's'hard to see Democrats making a serious run at the seat. Mississippi is strong Republican country as George Bush won it with 59 percent of the vote in 2004...

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 it official...

... an informed Republican source said Barbour's'choice is very likely to not be Chip Pickering... no other obvious alternative was offered.

As for the Democrats, former state AG Mike Moore is still the top pick but Rep. Gene Taylor and former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove are also mentioned.

[freespirited]

Predictions, anyone?

[Tax-chick]

Predictions, anyone?

Trent Lott will reconsider, decide he's Indispensible to the Republic, and stay in the Senate until he's outlived Strom Thurmond and Robert Byrd.

What do I win if I'm right?

[Coldwater Creek]

I’m not stupid enough to make a bet on what Trent will do, but you can bet it will only benefit him.

He was good for Mississippi, but bad for the country as a whole.

[Old Retired Army Guy]

Barbour should figure out how to get himself appointed.

[MrPiper]

Predictions anyone?,

I predict anyone, including some Demorats are better than this Illegal Immigrant loving SOB!!! I can't wait to see the door catch this guy in the butt on the way out! Best news I have heard all year, and I don't even live in Mississippi.

[JoanneSD]

Exactly. one less vote for illegal immigrants....

[freespirited]

I’m not stupid enough to make a bet on what Trent will do, but you can bet it will only benefit him.

Looks like you are right. FOX is reporting that ole Trent will resign before the end of the year, which is seriously contrary to our interests. The reason? To get around new rules, effective in 2008, that would prohibit him from lobbying his former colleagues, for two years.

IOW, he's quitting to become a lobbyist. FOLLOW DA MONEY.

We could be down another seat in a few months if FOX is correct.

[jrooney]

"including some Demorats"

Me thinks you are dead wrong here. Anything that will give Pelosi and Reid more power is NOT a good thing EVER.

[freespirited]

Do you think the citizens of the state would cotton to Barbour running in a special election for Senator when they just re-elected him as guv?

Sure would be great to send him back to DC.

[RinaseaofDs]

Tempest in a teacup. Barbour won his reelection handily, and if he appoints the right person, they’ll inherit the job.

[HiramQuick]

Good Riddance to a spineless Richard Cranium.

[LibWhacker]

Tom Daschle will move to Mississippi, announce that he can be as loyal a Republican as Trent Lott ever was, and ask Barbour to appoint him.

[DOGEY]

What do I win if I’m right?
Cheerleading outfit.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Amy Tuck.

[Old Retired Army Guy]

Barbour is one of the smartest Republicans on the political scene. He would be much more valuable to them on the National level rather than in the Miss. State House.

[BigAlPro]

Three cheers for the pro-American/anti-citizenship for illegals movement!

Hey Trent, couldn’t you talk McCain into going with you?

[johnthebaptistmoore]

This will truly depend upon who is appointed to replace Senator Lott. I truly do hope that a “pro-law enforcement when dealing with all issues related to illegal immigration” Republican is the replacement!

[Tarpon]

A seagull will dive bomb you ... It was funny though LOL.

[Paleo Conservative]

What did Larry Flint have on him?

[MSF BU]

The US Senate will have yet another member who was a little too good to serve in the military when he was a young man. How’s that for a near certain prediction.

[fieldmarshaldj]

If Barbour gave up his seat just as the people of MS reelected him as Governor, that would reflect poorly on him and could cost us this safe Senate seat. Ben Nelson in NE tried that 11 years ago and he lost to Hagel.

[pray4liberty]

Seems like somebody pulled out his FBI file.

[pallis]

Lott is just one of many that will abandon the good ship GOP as it sinks into the stagnant, minority pool. If the Democrats are quick to snatch the opportunity, they will run a pro gun, pro life candidate for Lott’s seat.

[Coldwater Creek]

Our local (Memphis) radio is reporting that Trent is not rich and wants to make some serious money! Fits his profile perfectly.

We will hear lots about this as Northern Mississippi is considered part of Memphis.

[K-oneTexas]

I think we have some good conservatives and Republicans to look at for leadership. To name a few ... Coburn, Cornyn, DeMint, Ensign, Inhofe, Sessions and Vitter. At least, IMHO, these seven are a better class than those we are rid of and need to be rid of ... RINO’s.

[DoughtyOne]

Yes. I predict the resignation was about ten years too late.

[stephenjohnbanker]

“Hey Trent, couldn’t you talk McCain into going with you?”

LOL!

[MSF BU]

"The above photo previously appeared on Mr. Pickering's official Congressional website. It was removed from Congressman Pickering's website in 2003 after critics charged the photo was intentionally deceptive. This is because Mr. Pickering is not a military pilot and has never served in any capacity in any U.S. military force."

Go to the Wikipedia article to see the whole thing or somebody more html talented then myself can post the picture. Damn, that is pretty pathetic. Chip is my age which tells me that despite Ronald Reagan being elected to the presidency and the nation needing young men to enter the expanding military, he could find no time to serve either on active duty or in the reserves. That is disgraceful.

[deport]

Mississippi Election code regarding the vacancy of a US Senator seat.

MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972
As Amended

SEC. 23-15-855. Elections to fill vacancies in office of U.S. Senator; interim appointments by Governor.

(1) If a vacancy shall occur in the office of United States Senator from Mississippi by death, resignation or otherwise, the Governor shall, within ten (10) days after receiving official notice of such vacancy, issue his proclamation for an election to be held in the state to elect a Senator to fill such unexpired term as may remain, provided the unexpired term is more than twelve (12) months and the election shall be held within ninety (90) days from the time the proclamation is issued and the returns of such election shall be certified to the Governor in the manner set out above for regular elections, unless the vacancy shall occur in a year that there shall be held a general state or congressional election, in which event the Governor's proclamation shall designate the general election day as the time for electing a Senator, and the vacancy shall be filled by appointment as hereinafter provided.

(2) In case of a vacancy in the office of United States Senator, the Governor may appoint a Senator to fill such vacancy temporarily, and if the United States Senate be in session at the time the vacancy occurs the Governor shall appoint a Senator within ten (10) days after receiving official notice thereof, and the Senator so appointed shall serve until his successor is elected and commissioned as provided for in subsection (1) of this section, provided that such unexpired term as he may be appointed to fill shall be for a longer time than one (1) year, but if for a shorter time than one (1) year he shall serve for the full time of the unexpired term and no special election shall be called by the Governor but his successor shall be elected at the regular election.

SOURCES: Derived from 1972 Code Sec. 23-5-229 [Codes, Hemingway's 1917, Sec. 6835; 1930, Sec. 6279; 1942, Sec. 3308; Laws, 1914, ch. 148] and Sec. 23-5-231 [Codes, Hemingway's 1917, Sec. 6836; 1930, Sec. 6280; 1942, Sec. 3309; Laws, 1914, ch. 148], both Repealed by Laws, 1986, ch. 495, Sec. 335; En, Laws, 1986, ch. 495, Sec. 260, eff from and after January 1, 1987.

[andy58-in-nh]

He’ll become a lobbyist for the Mexican government.

[CHEE]

Barbour should figure out how to get himself appointed.
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I agree.

[deport]

Predictions, anyone?

---

Keyes maybe available since he apparently isn’t going to win the Republican nomination for President......

[freespirited]

So if I read this correctly, if Lott resigns this year as it is reported he intends to, the state will have an election within 90 days. But if he puts his personal interest aside, the election won’t be until November 2008, which would give us the advantage of running a one-year incumbent.

Is that correct?

[BigAlPro]

How about John Edwards?

or better yet

How about Ray Nagin?

[cartoonistx]

If Lott waits until after New Years he would fall under the new congressional rules that bar him from lobbying for 2 years instead of the current 1 year restriction. It’s as simple as that!

[freespirited]

Read that Amy Tuck just took a job with MSU.

[ejonesie22]

Good answer...

It’s between her and Pickering...

[ejonesie22]

Haley is going no where. He likes his job and wants to finish the coast.

[deport]

provided that such unexpired term as he may be appointed to fill shall be for a longer time than one (1) year, but if for a shorter time than one (1) year he shall serve for the full time of the unexpired term and no special election shall be called by the Governor but his successor shall be elected at the regular election.

---

I take the above to mean that an election in 90 days is mandatory because the term appointed to is for longer than one year regardless of when the appointment is made, Lotts term expires in 4 yrs or so I think.

I”m sure someone with more expertise in the Law can straighten us out.

[whatisthetruth]

Hey Trent, couldn’t you talk McCain into going with you?

AND don't forget your butt-buddy Larry Craig, if you can catch him between stall visits.

[BurbankKarl]

He resigned again?

[Dick Bachert]

And that very loud popping sound heard all over the country today was yet another huge GOLDEN PARACHUTE deploying.

Sweet deal (for everyone but us tax slaves).

[Charles Martel]

He’ll become a lobbyist for the Mexican government.

Heh... we all know how dorky he looked wearing that cowboy hat at the Crawford ranch. Just thing what he'll look like wearing a huge sombrero.

The only lobbying clients that definitely won't be seeking Lott's services are the insurance companies that sell homeowners coverage.

[tcrlaf]

Tuck is a former DEMOCRAT...

[Tom D.]

If Romney or Rudy get the Rep. nomination, Barbour would make a very good running mate.

[fieldmarshaldj]

Yes. So are a lot of people.

[KC Burke]

In the 1950s, in the wake of Brown vs. Topeka State Board of Education, the was a group called the White Citizens Council that worked to preserve segregation. It existed for about ten years. It achieved it avowed purpose for a number of years keeping Mississippi schools more segregated than many states.

Efforts have always been made to paint the Concerned Citizens Council in Mississippi as the direct successor to that group.

Seven years ago, Wicker, like almost all conservative politicians in Mississippi, spoke before a meeting that was sponsored by the Concerned Citizens Council.

Even Marxist blogs acknowledges that the two groups are not the same, albeit with a name change.

However, since the time of Trent Lott’s unfortunate wording of a toast to Strom, this is a charge of guilt by association that the leftist blogs have used while ignoring marxist ties of many of their own.

Prepare to hear about this group extensively no matter what Mississippi Governor Barber does in appointing a Republican to the temporary seat.

Barber, as owner of a top lobbyist firm himself, will have been very aware of Trent’s probable plan.

[PapaBear3625]

Lott was looking after his own interests, first, last, and always

[Cicero]

unless the vacancy shall occur in a year that there shall be held a general state or congressional election, in which event the Governor's proclamation shall designate the general election day as the time for electing a Senator, and the vacancy shall be filled by appointment as hereinafter provided.

There's more than a year left on Lott's unexpired term. I think he has a little more than 4 years left. There is a general congressional election next November. So that means he either waits until next January 1, or there has to be a special election within 3 months of his resignation. Legalese is always difficult, but that's how I read it.

I presume the new rules on delaying employment as a lobbyist come into effect on January 1, meaning that he'd have to wait another year or two before getting rich?

[mainerforglobalwarming]

Olympia Snowe is welcome to leave the senate anytime she likes.