Lott intends to keep clout on Capitol Hill

The Hattiesburg American, 4/18/8

Former Sen. Trent Lott is turning his campaign fund into a political action committee that will likely help solidify his influence on Capitol Hill.

The Mississippi Republican left politics to become a partner in a Washington lobbying firm with former Sen. John Breaux, D-La. He had more than $1.2 million in his re-election campaign account when he retired from the Senate in December.

Under federal election law, retiring lawmakers can’t use leftover campaign funds for personal use. They can only return the money to donors, contribute it to other candidates seeking public office or donate it to charities or other non-profit organizations.