By Patrick Crowley
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Tristate senators said their colleague Trent Lott did what's best for the nation when he decided to step down as leader of the U.S. Senate.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Louisville who was among those mentioned as possible successors to Mr. Lott, worked hard the past two weeks trying to hold together support for Mr. Lott among other GOP senators.

But with support evaporating, Mr. McConnell, recently elected GOP Senate whip, said Mr. Lott made a "courageous and correct decision to step aside."

"His decision is in the best interest of the Senate, our party and our country," said Mr. McConnell, who is the second highest-ranking Republican in the chamber. "But now is the time to move forward."

Mr. McConnell pledged support for Sen. Bill Frist, the Tennessee Republican who appears to have the votes and support to be Mr. Lott's successor.

"It is my belief that Sen. Bill Frist is the right man at the right time to help our party," Mr. McConnell said.

Ohio Republican Sen. George Voinovich of Cleveland said that Mr. Lott "put the good of the country ahead of his own personal priorities."

"It was the right thing to do," Mr. Voinovich said, adding that he would support Mr. Frist.

Kentucky Republican Sen. Jim Bunning of Southgate said Friday was "a sad day" for Mr. Lott.

"Trent Lott has been my friend for over 20 years," Mr. Bunning said. "For the good of the nation as well as the Republican Party, he came to a very difficult decision and did the right thing."

Mr. Bunning made his comments in a statement. The statement did not mention his feelings about Mr. Frist.

"Now it's time for the nation to move forward," Mr. Bunning said. "In Congress, we have a renewed opportunity to work together on the president's agenda and to ensure that all Americans are treated equally and fairly in a color-blind society.

"All of us, Republican and Democrat, can learn from the past few weeks," he said.

E-mail pcrowley@enquirer.com.