The American Spectator

p> NICKLES IS A-OK br> Re: John Corry Lott Without the Frenzy and Mary Murray’s “Replacements” letter in Reader Mail’s Hearing and Listening : /p>

As an Oklahoman and a conservative Republican, I’m baffled by Mary Murray’s slap at our senior Senator, Don Nickles, and John Corry’s claim that he displays “naked ambition.” While it’s true that Oklahoma is not as electorally important as Texas or Tennessee — only 7 electoral votes, which haven’t gone to a Democrat since 1964 — I don’t see the connection between presidential electoral calculation and who should lead our party in the Senate. Conviction, character, backbone, and political skill are what is needed.

It’s true that Nickles didn’t have a long and distinguished pre-Senate career, but that’s because he was elected at age 31 in 1980, defeating better-financed candidates in the primary through a strong conservative Christian grass-roots network. Before the Senate he served briefly in the State Senate and ran his family’s business. During his 22 years in the Senate, he has consistently worked for the implementation of the conservative agenda. He is not a publicity seeker. He is not afraid to be on the losing end of an 80-20 vote if it’s a matter of conscience.

I see nothing ambitious in Don Nickles’ call for reconsidering who should be Majority Leader. He’s been around the Senate long enough to know that the “Club” won’t reward his “treason.” His move was a risky one that could even cost him his new role as Budget Committee chairman. Lott’s allies (including his toesucking political consultant) will dig up anything they can to trash him for his bravery. Having watched his career for over two decades, I believe Don Nickles spoke as he did because he felt it needed to be done. Forty-nine senators might have been ready to dump Lott, but until someone spoke out, nothing was going to happen. His courage marks him as someone who could be a great Majority Leader, but it’s more likely that he merely opened the door for someone else, someone who will cautiously straddle the fence over the next three weeks.

p>As for Mr. Lott, it’s bad enough to have a backbench Republican Senator (Mr. McCain) who got caught, and who is willing to trash the Constitution in order to redeem himself in the eyes of the Left. We don’t need a Majority Leader who will use his considerable power for the same selfish ends. br> — Michael Bates br> Tulsa, OK