RollCall report that "Republican Senators will gather in a special Conference meeting to conduct their leadership elections on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 9:30 a.m., according to an e-mail sent to members Tuesday night."

It looks as if Jon Kyl will be unopposed to succeed Trent Lott as minority whip. Interest is therefore focused on the Conference chairmanship. There are at least three contenders: Sens. Kay Bailey Hutchison (Texas), Lamar Alexander (Tenn.) and Richard Burr (N.C.). Sen. John Thune (S.D.) is reported to be considering putting his name forward.

The succession to Senator Lott's seat has provoked a separate row in the State of Mississippi. According to RollCall - "Gov. Haley Barbour (R) has called the contest for Nov. 4, 2008, the date of the next regularly scheduled general election. But Democrats — in particular Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood — contend that state law requires the special election to be held 100 days after Lott resigns, should the Senator stick with his stated plan to relinquish his seat by Dec. 31." - Legal action may ensue.