“And so it begins.”

Don Nickles, R-Oklahoma, on ABC’s “This Week”, is looking for a new vote for majority leader:
“I am concerned that Senator Lott 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…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.”
If Nickles is comfortable making a full-frontal play for the leadership like this, it’s a sure sign that behind closed doors, the decision has been made. Lott’s out.
Quotes courtesy o’ CNN.
Update: Martin agrees.