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By BrettK Posted in 2008 | Mississippi — Comments (6) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

Cross-posted at Majority In Mississippi:

I don’t think the whole deal with Trent resigning could get more confusing. But I will try to hash out some possibilities about filling his seat.

Here is some of what Barbour said about the soon-to-be open seat, according to the Clarion-Ledger:

In a statement after the news conference, Gov. Haley Barbour said he will appoint Lott's replacement within 10 days of his resignation. That person will serve until voters decide in a special election held Nov. 4, 2008, who will fill the seat on a permanent basis.

That date may not be exactly correct, or constitutional, however.

Lott is presumed to retire on or before December 31, 2007. This way he will not be subject to the new two-year waiting period for lobbying. Since he is retiring in 2007; which is not an election year- as we’ve already had out state elections- Gov. Barbour will have to call a special election 90 days from his proclamation that has to take place within 10 days of Lott’s retirement.

I would imagine that the date of the special election to fill Lott’s seat would be March 11, which is the primary date in Mississippi. If this is the case, we will probably see a crowded field of challengers. I imagine the Republicans will unite behind whomever Barbour appoints, while the Democrats- who have shown a lack of unity- would probably have several candidates splitting the vote.

Here is a link to the election code.

If Lott were to wait until January 1, 2008 to retire, Barbour would be able to pick a successor with a general election in November to go along with the presidential election, as well as Thad Cochran’s re-election.