News / Politics
Trent Lott Voted Senate Minority Leader
In a 25-24 vote amongst Senate Republicans, Trent Lott was elected to the number two minority leadership position for the 110th Congress.
Lott’s narrow victory over Tennessee Republican Lamar Alexander returns him to a leadership post for the first time since being ousted as majority leader four years ago. The Republican from Mississippi was pressured to step away from his position after racially insensitive remarks drew the ire of both political parties as well as the American public.
Heading into the vote Lamar Alexander had thought he had lined up a majority of votes to assume the position of vote-counting GOP whip. Alexander began lining up support for his bid nearly a year ago but by the time voting took place Lott prevailed by a single vote.
The Republicans will be led in the Senate by Mitch McConnell from Kentucky. The new Minority Leader replaces Bill Frist from Tennessee. Frist is retiring after servings as Majority Leader for the Republicans.
