More on the Lott Resignation

National Journal:

Senate Minority Whip Lott, who agonized about running for re-election last year before deciding to do so, now plans to resign before the end of the year, congressional and White House officials told the Associated Press this morning. Lott has scheduled two news conferences today in his home town of Pascagoula and the state capital of Jackson to reveal his plans. No reason was given for the sudden change of heart, although officials said nothing was wrong with Lott's health. One official said the 66-year-old Lott has "other opportunities" he plans to pursue. Lott was Senate majority leader when, during the late Sen. Strom Thurmond's 100th birthday party, he praised Thurmond's segregationist presidential campaign, setting off a furor that resulted in his resignation. Lott will become the sixth Senate Republican to announce his retirement.