Lott says Rumsfeld should be replaced

BILOXI, Miss. -- Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld should be replaced in the next year, Senator Trent Lott said Wednesday.

"I'm not a fan of Secretary Rumsfeld," Lott told the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce. "I don't think he listens enough to his uniformed officers."

Rumsfeld has faced heavy criticism since a soldier asked him last week why the combat vehicles used in the war in Iraq lack proper armor. Rumsfeld and President Bush have said more vehicle armor will be shipped to Iraq.

Lott, speaking to the civic club, said the United States needs more troops to help with the war as well as a plan to leave Iraq once elections occur in late January. The Mississippi Republican does not think Rumsfeld is the person to carry out that plan.

"I would like to see a change in that slot in the next year or so," Lott said. "I'm not calling for his resignation, but I think we do need a change at some point."

Lott lost his post as Senate majority leader two years ago after praising Strom Thurmond's presidential run in 1948, which was based on segregationist views.

On Monday, Senator John S. McCain said he has "no confidence" in Rumsfeld, citing Rumsfeld's handling of the war in Iraq and the failure to send more troops.

McCain, Republican of Arizona, said his comments were not a call for Rumsfeld's resignation, explaining that Bush "can have the team that he wants around him."

He said he also had expressed lack of confidence in Rumsfeld when fielding a similar question a couple of weeks ago.