Lott Resigns From U.S. Senate

Associated Press
Published: December 19, 2007
Updated: December 19, 2007

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Mississippi Republican Trent Lott
officially resigned from the U.S. Senate Tuesday.

That's according to his spokesman, Lee Youngblood.

The announcement brings to an end a 35-year career in which Lott
reached the of height of power, fell from grace, then climbed his
way back to the top.

Lott, who is 66, had announced in his home state Nov. 26 that he
would step down by year's end, saying he wants to pursue other
opportunities.

Youngblood says he submitted the paper work today (Tuesday) to
make it official.

Republican Governor Haley Barbour will appoint a successor to
serve until a special election is held next year.

Lott was the Senate's No. 2 Republican.

There's widespread speculation that Lott might enter the
lobbying business with one of his longtime friends, former Senator
John Breaux, a conservative Democrat from Louisiana.