In a surprise move, Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., said this week he’ll resign in December.
Lott is minority whip in the GOP hierarchy. The move means he will leave his leadership post mid-term after winning his fourth six-year term last November.
Lott was considered a friend to broadcasters; he and former NAB President/CEO Eddie Fritts share an “Ole Miss” connection and Lott would often share stories with broadcasters at events and during hearings on the ‘96 Telecom Act about his work and that of his mother at their local radio station.
Giving a reason for his decision, Lott cited the passage of legislation to help the recovery of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast following damage from Hurricane Katrina, which also destroyed his family home.
Lott recently supported colleague Byron Dorgan, D-S.D., in efforts to oppose media consolidation.
