Earlier this week, when reporters pressed him on his decision about ethics reform, [Minority Whip Trent] Lott announced his opposition to the plan and then questioned whether his party had the right leadership to fight it. “After the exhibition I saw on immigration, I don’t suspect there’s going to be a lot of strength and dynamic leadership here, but we’ll see,” Lott told CongressDaily.

That was perceived as a direct shot across the bow at McConnell, who in late May agreed to push the controversial immigration reform package that was hammered out in an old-fashioned, bipartisan, back-room deal. As that immigration package unraveled in late June, McConnell changed his support on the plan and ultimately voted against ending debate and moving toward a final vote on the plan. Privately, but not very quietly, GOP aides wondered whether McConnell’s vote against immigration was more about protecting his own political standing back home in Kentucky, where the immigration deal was unpopular and McConnell must stand for reelection in 2008.

Things are not looking good for ol’ Mitch. Not good at all.