Senator Don Nickles Tells ABC News "This Week with George
Stephanopoulos" that Senator Lott Has Been Weakened, Calls for New Election
for Republican Leader
Sun Dec 15 2002 10:08:14 ET
In an interview with George Stephanopoulos, Senator Don Nickles (R-OK), a
longtime member of the Republican leadership in the Senate, has become the
first Republican to speak out against Majority Leader Trent Lott. Senator
Nickles comments were first reported on ABC News "This Week with George
Stephanopoulos" this morning. Senator Nickles told ABC:
"Can he be effective? Can he campaign in places like Chicago? I don't want
to squander our ability to get things done. We only have a short window
this year."
In a phone interview with Stephanopoulos, Senator Nickles also provided the
following statement to "This Week":
"Senator Lott has apologized profusely and rightly so. His comments did not
represent Republican ideals. I accept his apology. However, this is bigger
than any single senator now. I am concerned that Trent has been weakened to
the point that may jeopardize his ability to enact our agenda and speak to
all Americans. There are several outstanding senators who are more than
capable of effective leadership and I hope we have an opportunity to
choose."
