KJZZ: Trent Lott’s resignation opens door for Ariz. Sen. Jon Kyl to ascend leadership

Suggested host intro: Arizona Republican Senator Jon Kyl gained a little more power today. He moved up one notch in the Republican leadership. Matt Laslo reports from Washington.

NARR: Senator Trent Lott recently announced his resignation. Lott’s leaving opened up the second most powerful Republican Senate post – the whip. That’s the person who counts votes to make sure the party doesn’t get beat badly by the opposition. Kyl says he isn’t taking the reigns though.

KYL2: “My job is assistant leader, and I appreciate that point. And I assured my colleagues that I would work as hard as Trent that I would do everything I could to assist our leader in the remaining days of this session and throughout the next session.”

Kyl is considered more ideologically conservative on issues than Lott, who was more of a deal maker. Democrats worry that with Kyl as number two the Senate may endure even more gridlock.  

For KJZZ, I’m Matt Laslo in Washington.