Senator Trent Lott (R-MS)

I was born in Grenada, Mississippi on October 9, 1941. I attended Ole Miss and received a bachelors degree in Public Administration in 1965 and a law degree in 1967. I was president of Sigma Nu fraternity. After receiving my law degree, I moved to my hometown of Pascagoula and entered private practice. I moved to Washington to become an administrative assistant to Representative William Colmer. I was elected to Congress in 1974 upon the retirement of Congressman Colmer. I along with my colleague, Thad Cochran, became the first Republicans elected in Mississippi since Reconstruction. I served as House Minority Whip from 1981 to 1989. I was elected to the Senate in 1988 replacing the retiring John C. Stennis. I became Majority Leader in 1996 when Bob Dole resigned to focus on his presidential bid. After a few comments meant to make an old man feel good at his birthday party, I was forced to relinquish my position as Majority Leader. Presently I'm serving as Chairman of the Senate Rules Committee.