<p>WASHINGTON — Mississippi Republican Trent Lott is stepping down as incoming Senate majority leader, but will continue to serve his country as a senator, he announced Friday.</p>
<p>"In the interest of pursuing the best possible agenda for the future of our country, I will not seek to remain as majority leader of the United States Senate for the 108th Congress effective Jan. 6, 2003," Lott said in a written statement. "To all those who offered me their friendship, support and prayers, I will be eternally grateful. I will continue to serve the people of Mississippi in the United States Senate."</p>