I'm not aware of any derogatory remarks made by Nickles about Lott.
Don Nickles, from all the reports I have seen, has simply called for a new leadership vote. In that, I think he represents the wishes of a large majority of Republicans.
There are only three real prospects to replac Lott: Nickles, McConnell or Frist. I personally would be very pleased with either Nickles or McConnell. But as I made clear on this thread earlier, I very much oppose Bill Frist; part of the reason being what he did to Bill Salier and all Iowa conservatives in the '02 primaries. It goes farther than Iowa,of course, but the hash they made of the situation there speaks volumes about what could come out of Frist leadership in '04.
IMO, now is the time for conservatives to exercise what little influence they have with the White House and Republican Senators to advocate for one of the good guys.
On a personal note, I miss talking to you regularly as we once did, my friend!
From everything I hear, our mutual good friend is getting his foundations laid in DC very well! :-)
Merry Christmas to you!
EV