Wicker Will Step Into Lott's Shoes

New Dems from VA, NM, CO likely

(NEWSER) - The GOP's best case-scenario sees the party losing only three Senate seats this fall. Washington Post blogger Chris Cillizza runs down the races most likely to flip a vote:

10. Mississippi: Trent Lott replacement Roger Wicker has never been elected statewide, and Barack Obama's coattails should draw in the large black population.

9. Minnesota: Al Franken remains promising, but he's no sure thing, thanks to back taxes and Playboy bylines.

Upset victory in deep red district sends panic through GOP

(NEWSER) - Democrats scored a shocking upset last night, nabbing a House seat in a deeply conservative Mississippi district. Democrat Travis Childers prevailed 54% to 46% in the special election, Politico reports, soundly overcoming a nearly $2 million GOP campaign. Coming from a county that threw Bush 62% of its support in 2004, the results are panic-inducing for the GOP. More»

Timing of departure suggests he'll return as lobbyist

(NEWSER) - Republican Minority Whip Trent Lott is quitting the Senate—but he's probably not leaving Washington or politics for very long. The timing of Lott's departure suggests he is planning a lucrative career as a lobbyist, reports MSNBC. A resignation in 2008 would have required a two-year "timeout" before Lott could legally work as a lobbyist. More»

Senate's No. 2 Republican said to be stepping down before year's end

(NEWSER) - Trent Lott, the Senate's second-highest-ranking Republican, is resigning before the end of the year, the AP has learned. He will announce the decision later today in his home state of Mississippi. The reason for the resignation is unknown. There is nothing wrong with Lott’s health, a congressional official confirmed, saying the Republican whip had unspecified “other opportunities” to pursue. More»

A day of pomp and American flags leads back to the drawing board

(NEWSER) - After a day of partisan theatrics—what the Politico notes may rank as the Capitol's most celebrated sendoff for a doomed bill—work gets serious on a compromise war spending bill that may include benchmarks but no timelines. Bush meets with congressional leaders to begin formal negotiations today, even as the House makes a futile effort to override yesterday's veto. More»