Sept. 14, 2002 -- In recent weeks trade has emerged as a hot topic in the race for Mississippi's 3rd District U.S. House Seat. Democratic Rep. Ronnie Shows (D) has criticized Republican Rep. Chip Pickering's support of the North American Free Trade Act and permanent favorable trade relation status with China.

Shows blames much of the job loss in the district on firms that have relocated to Mexico and Asia in search of cheaper labor. For his part Pickering has pointed to the fact that he has voted for provisions to protect some of the state's key industries such as catfish farming and lumber from what he calls unfair overseas competition. Pickering has also stated that his pro-business stance has encouraged companies to invest in the state.

The issue has played out in part on a national stage as politicians look for causes of and solutions to the country's economic slump. It has had particular resonance in a state that has historically been economically depressed.

According to reports from Mississippi, the topic is one the two candidates have used to its fullest extent in the campaign.

"They have examined it, dissected it and hurled it at each other," reported the Jackson Clarion Ledger in early September.

The two campaigns have also recently clashed over Social Security and Medicare. Shows has accused Pickering of backing out of a planned AARP-sponsored debate because he doesn't want to face seniors on the issue. Pickering's camp says the debate schedule was never finalized and the candidate is not afraid to debate the topics.