Several black Republicans, while denouncing the remarks, yesterday defended Mr. Lott. Michael Steele, the lieutenant governor-elect in Maryland, said Mr. Lott's remarks were a "poor choice of words" but don't reflect his own experiences with the senator. "I know Senator Lott personally and understand him to be compassionate and a tolerant statesman," he said. Outgoing Rep. J.C. Watts Jr. of Oklahoma said the comments "went too far" but were appropriate to the forum. "I took his comments as complimentary humor that often accompanies personal tributes," said Mr. Watts, the fourth-ranking Republican in the expiring House of Representatives. "His comments were as serious as the venue at which they were delivered - at a birthday party."