Trent Lott

Trent Lott's abrupt decision to resign from the Senate is baffling, but -- unlike some of the other G.O.P. retirement announcements this year -- it won't offer Democrats a chance to bolster their majority.

His maneuver actually maximizes the odds, which are strong in the first place, of his party holding onto the seat. By quitting now, Lott allows Haley Barbour, Mississippi's Republican Governor and the former G.O.P. national chairman, to choose an interim successor -- presumably Chip Pickering, a 44-year-old congressman who has eyed Lott's seat for years and who earlier this year declined to seek a seventh term in 2008 (presumably figuring Lott would be sticking around for a while).

More after the jump.  read more »

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