Lott Likely to Snare Lobby Job

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.

Lott's departure before new regulations take effect means he'll have to take off only a year, and could lobby former colleagues in 2009, a crucial time in negotiations over a new tax bill. A director of a major tax lobbying firm described Lott as "one of the most astute observers of how the place works.” Lott told reporters: "That’s what I do. I count votes for a living.” (More Senate stories.)