Lott converting re-election account to PAC

The Clarion-Ledger, 4/21/8

Former Sen. Trent Lott is turning his campaign fund into a political action committee that likely will 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. Lott 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 nonprofit organizations.