Lott Weighs Katrina in 2006 Plans
U.S. Sen. Trent Lott says personal losses he suffered because of Hurricane Katrina will weigh on his decision whether to run for reelection in 2006.
The Mississippi Republican lost his waterfront home in Pascagoula during the Aug. 29 storm.
“It was about half my net worth,” the former Senate majority leader said. “I have a $400,000 loss after the flood insurance. From a personal standpoint, I need a little more income. But the people I care most about, those on the coast, are hurting and need help.”
Lott is suing his insurance company to collect for wind damage to his home.
He said his family was divided over his running again.
Another consideration, he said, is that he is “so disappointed with the [Bush] administration’s response to this disaster that I’m almost embarrassed.”
Lott, 64, was elected to the Senate in 1988 after 16 years in the House. He lost his leadership post in 2002 after he made a remark that praised the late Sen. Strom Thurmond’s segregationist past.
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