A Lott lost

By Staff
Dec. 22, 2002
By Friday, with his own political "friends" deserting him, U.S. Sen. Trent Lott had little choice but to acknowledge that he's lost the political edge that propelled him to national prominence. In a tersely-worded statement, Lott announced he would give up his position as Senate Majority Leader.
It's a shame it came to this. The loss of this critical leadership position is a loss for Mississippi and America because, despite his comments at U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond's 100th birthday party, Lott remains a highly principled, dedicated and capable public servant. His continued service in the U.S. Senate is vital to Mississippi.
When word surfaced on Thursday that Lott would likely be challenged for majority leader by a White House favorite, U.S. Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tenn., the handwriting was on the wall.
To be sure, Lott's comments at Thurmond's 100th birthday party were indefensible. The irony is that the same political system that catapulted him to the pinnacle of power in this country also brought him down.