Shocking.... sudden.... even stunning....those were the reactions when GOP Senator Trent Lott of Mississippi announced today that he will retire from the Senate effective late December. (WaPo)
Many are asking why is he leaving barely a year after winning re-election to a six-year term.... especially after rising from his "stupid remark" eclipse as Senate majority leader to the position of GOP whip, the number two post in the Senate leadership.
Lott went out of his way to reassure everyone that he has no health issues. He leaves the impression he is resigning out of disgust for the get-nothing-done political infighting on both sides of the aisle.
After 35 years in Congress Lott says, "It's time for us to do something else." Translated.... make some real money. At least he didn't say he wants to "spend more time with his family." That remark usually portends a forced resignation.... which Lott's isn't.
There is a little matter of the New Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 (S.1) which places lobbying restrictions on former members.... as of January 1, 2008 a Senator must wait two years before lobbying Congress, and his staff must wait a year.
Lott denies his timing has anything to do with these new "cooling-off" period limitations.... and, if you believe that you must be skipping down a yellow brick road.
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