US Senator Trent Lott book blasts former US Senator Don Nickles

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a new book, former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott is taking aim at fellow Republicans, blasting both his successor, and President Bush.<br/><br/>Lott blames his 2002 fall from

Thursday, August 18th 2005, 6:01 am

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a new book, former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott is taking aim at fellow Republicans, blasting both his successor, and President Bush.

Lott blames his 2002 fall from power on a "personal betrayal" by Senator Bill Frist. A Frist spokeswoman says the senator hasn't read the book, but appreciates Lott's advice.

Lott was driven from power in the wake of remarks taken as celebrating Senator Strom Thurmond's segregationist past.

He says the uproar was slow to build, but by the time it was over, former Oklahoma Senator Don Nickles had helped bring him down and Virginia Senator George Allen told him to resign for the good of the party.

Lott said President Bush struck at him with the tone he used when remarking on Lott's eventual apology. He said Bush's tone was "devastating, booming and nasty."

Lott also said he had a "backstairs arrangement" with President Clinton that produced major health and welfare legislation.

The new book is called "Herding Cats, A Life in Politics."