This little story makes the Frist Scenario seem much more likely:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Sen. Bill Frist of Tennessee is exploring a possible bid to replace Trent Lott as their chamber’s incoming majority leader and Assistant Republican Leader Don Nickles of Oklahoma will likely back Frist, sources said on Thursday.
Frist has long been our man, but we want Lott to have a nice, soft landing when it happens.