Lott Breaks Deadlock Between Frist, Reid

[Jon8503]

By LAURIE KELLMAN, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - The dealmaking instinct can be hard to shake when one has been Senate majority leader and might again seek that post. Exhibit A: Former Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., who broke a two-week deadlock between his successor, Sen. Bill Frist (news, bio, voting record), R-Tenn., and Democratic leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., over the ratio of Republican and Democratic negotiators on a bill to secure the future benefits of millions with defined benefit pension plans.

Frist said the split should be 7-5; Reid insisted on 8-6.

The debate devolved Friday into bickering over other issues.

Frustrated, Lott could not contain his inner majority leader.

"We're at loggerheads here. Shouldn't be," he said on the Senate floor. "I have a novel idea: Go up to 9-7 or go down to 6-4."

"I'll take it," Reid declared. "Nine-to-seven and you've got a deal."

Rest of article @ link below:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060304/ap_on_go_co/pensions_lott;_ylt=Ap5Mv1_j_3SvmqImY2zBk1yyFz4D;_ylu=X3oDMTA5aHJvMDdwBHNlYwN5bmNhdA--