Pardon me if I don’t shed a tear.

Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) plans to resign his seat by year’s end, a senior Republican official told Politico.

The announcement took Capitol Hill by surprise because Lott, the former majority leader, seemed to be relishing his job as minority whip, the second-ranking GOP leadership job. He had regained a post in leadership after he resigned following racially insensitive remarks at a birthday party for the late Sen. Strom Thurmond (R-S.C.).

Lott’s departure opens up a position within Republican leadership, and there could be a fight to replace him. Lamar Alexander, who ran for the position last year, would be a natural candidate, but there are plenty of GOP up-and-comers who could compete for the slot, including Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), and Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), who are part of the current leadership team and could be looking for a promotion to the no. 2 spot in the hierarchy.

We probably don’t have much to worry about in the area of getting a Republican in there, as Lott won reelection with 64%. Admittedly, I’m not holding my breath his replacement will be much better. Lott was preceded by John Stennis - a Democrat. However, Thad Cochran is his fellow Mississippi Senator opposed the amnesty legislation. Basically, difficult to tell.

As for his likely replacements:

Rep. Chip Pickering (R-Miss.), who announced his retirement from the House earlier this year, would be a leading candidate for the Senate seat in the special election. One official said Pickering will run for sure. Another possible GOP contender for the seat would be Rep. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)

Pickering received a whopping 0% from FAIR. Yes, 0%. He voted against reporting illegals who receive hospital treatment, but voted to make sure no U.S. government funds will be used to tip off the Mexican government on the whereabouts of the Minutemen.

Roger Wicker, on the other hand, received a 100% from FAIR.

H/t Hot Air.