Truthdig - Ear to the Ground - Trent Lott to Resign

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Trent Lott to Resign

blogs.southflorida.com

The Senate’s second-ranking Republican is expected to announce that he will resign by year’s end. Trent Lott’s health is fine, but he wishes to pursue “other opportunities,” a congressional official said. Lott famously put his foot in his mouth in 2002 when he said the country would have been better off had Strom Thurmond won his segregationist bid for the presidency.

He didn’t retire after that gaffe, so we can only wonder what these “other opportunities” are and whether there’s a more interesting—or at least more specific—reason he’s stepping down.

Update: It seems that Lott’s decision probably has to do with the opportunity to cash in on his experience and avoid the GOP’s coming electoral headache all at the same time. Read more.

AP:

Sen. Trent Lott of Mississippi, the Senate’s No. 2 Republican, plans to resign his seat before the end of the year, congressional and White House officials said Monday.

Lott, 66, scheduled two news conferences in Pascagoula and Jackson later in the day to reveal his plans. According to the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity ahead of the announcement, Lott intends to resign effective at the end of the year.

No reason for Lott’s resignation was given, but according to a congressional official, there is nothing amiss with Lott’s health. The senator has “other opportunities” he plans to pursue, the official said, without elaborating. Lott was re-elected to a fourth Senate term in 2006.

Read more

TAGS: gaffe lott republican resign senate

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By PatrickHenry, November 26, 2007 at 5:33 pm #
(1114 comments total)

Best news I’ve heard all month.

This calls for a party and general amnesty.

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By thomas billis, November 26, 2007 at 2:48 pm #
(Unregistered commenter)

As Strom Thurmond’s illegitimate child conceived during anal sex with a gorilla you have been a blight on the political landscape for far too long.God only knows who Haley Barber will name to replace you but if he or she is not wearing a white sheet it should be an improvement.

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By desertdude, November 26, 2007 at 1:37 pm #
(96 comments total)

GREAT NEWS, THE GREATEST AMERICAN RACIST RESIGNS. AMEN,AMEN!

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By August West, November 26, 2007 at 11:29 am #
(23 comments total)

“He said he doesn’t have a new job lined up and that new restrictions on lobbying that take effect after Dec. 31, 2007 “didn’t have a big role” in his decision to retire. The regulations extend the “cooling off” period for lobbying by former members of Congress from one to two years.”

Lying s.o.b. He’ll be lobbying Congress for the highest bidder come January.

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By QuyTran, November 26, 2007 at 11:16 am #
(843 comments total)

Hey Trent, you get hell out of our sight !

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By mary, November 26, 2007 at 11:14 am #
(197 comments total)

Get out now before the house of cards comes down around your neck. I’m sure he’s more than just a little worried about a possible Edwards Presidency. I think Edwards will be the candidate most likely to want accountability from this administration and the enablers that allowed the destruction of our Democracy. One can only imagine the depth of the damage. Lott is hoping to hide in the shear number of indictments that will be handed down once the curtain is pulled down. Now lets see the Democrats or and Independent make a real run for his seat. It’s time to take this election seriously.....

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By Eric L. Prentis, November 26, 2007 at 10:46 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

GOP Senator Trent Lott’s reasons for retiring, “Fatigue has set in, Lott grew tired of the political infighting in the Senate as Republicans have been forced into a position of merely blocking a Democratic agenda,” said the GOP aide. Instead, why doesn’t Sen. Lott do what is right for America rather than just buckling under to the pressure coming from the White House? Do not run away from responsibility Sen. Lott, but if you must please, please, please take your lying, incompetent, dictator loving, war mongering, government trashing, constitution bashing, bad for America Republican cronies, i.e., President Bush and VP Cheney, with you.

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By Bob, November 26, 2007 at 9:23 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

Adios you narrow minded,out of touch with the working class asshole.
My favorite comment of this jerk was when he suggested the people of Grand Forks North Dakota(massive flood of ‘97)who were living in FEMA trailers,would be comfortable during the upcoming winter and should be happy continuing to live in them. The dumbass had probably never been in a barely insulated trailer during 50mph blizzard conditions at extended 20+ below zero weather.
Have a good life...this american won’t miss you.
Bob H.
Minnesota

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By JimM72, November 26, 2007 at 8:45 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

The corrupt pile of decadent garbage is probably going to work for Haliburton or Blackwatwer; if he can manage to extract his head from bush’s butt, that is.

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By Frostedflakes, November 26, 2007 at 8:26 am #
(79 comments total)

Farewell to this bigotted Southern fool. He’s just one more rat running from the sinking republican ship. He has probably already packed his bags for a cushy new position in Dubai with Dick and all of his Halliburton cronies.

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By Corporate Jesus, November 26, 2007 at 7:49 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

Don’t worry Trent, there’s always been a place for wealthy and well-connected racists in America. See you at church!!

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By KISS, November 26, 2007 at 6:50 am #
(152 comments total)

Good riddance to bad rubbish. Does anyone remember his undercutting of his own party during Bush 1’s administration? Knifing in the back politics by Lott and Dick Army. He is the poster for Machiavelli’s The Prince.

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By liferniner, November 26, 2007 at 6:28 am #
(Unregistered commenter)

“pursue other opportunities” = becoming a full time lobbyist instead of the current part time one......really no change in his pocketbook but more.....

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