[TLBSHOW]

At the White House, presidential spokesman Ari Fleischer said Lott continues to have President Bush's confidence "unquestionably" as the GOP leader in the Senate.

"I think that from the president's point of view, Sen. Lott has addressed this issue," Fleischer said. "He has apologized for his statement, and the president understands that is the final word from Sen. Lott."