The platform we had in Dallas, the 1984 Republican platform, all the ideas we supported there - from tax policy, to foreign policy; from individual rights, to neighborhood security - are things that Jefferson Davis and his people believed in.

Lott gave an interview with Black Entertainment Television explaining himself and repudiating Thurmond's former views. He never faced another contest nearly that close. 12 pp.

Upon Colmer's retirement Lott won Colmer's former seat in the House of Representatives. Republican Roger Wicker won the 2008 special election to replace him.