Mississippi ? Gov. Haley Barbour on Monday will announce his appointment to fill the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Trent Lott.

But there was only speculation about whom Barbour will pick, as some politicians that pundits had guessed as successors said they weren’t interested.

Rep. Chip Pickering, R-Miss., who announced in August that he wants to spend more time with his family and will not seek re-election in 2008, said Friday that he has asked Barbour to remove his name from consideration for the Senate seat.

Pickering, who some thought was a favorite for the spot, said he was honored to be considered and encouraged by others to seek the job.