Lott steps down as Senate leader

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 —   Two weeks after his endorsement of Strom Thurmond’s 1948 segregationist presidential bid touched off a national uproar, Sen. Trent Lott announced Friday that he is stepping down as Senate majority leader. Lott’s decision not to defend his position came as Sen. Bill Frist gained support from peers who felt Lott’s statements had undermined his ability to lead the party in the Senate. Lott is expected to stay on as a senator.