By By William F. West / community editor
Sept. 4, 2002
U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering opened his Meridian campaign headquarters Tuesday promising a clean race but adding he won't sit silent when attacked by U.S. Rep. Ronnie Shows.
Pickering, a Republican who represents the 3rd District, and Shows, a Democrat who represents the 4th District, are running in the Nov. 5 election for the redrawn 3rd District U.S. House seat.
The two were placed in the redrawn 3rd District when Mississippi lost one of its five U.S. House seats.
Pickering said Tuesday he will air TV ads defending his positions on Social Security, health care and employment. Shows has been hitting hard on the three issues.
Pickering began his speech by re-emphasizing his values of faith and family. He then opened the floor to suggestions from the crowd of more than 60 people.
Kris Gianokos, chairman of the Lauderdale County Republican Executive Committee, praised Pickering for staying on the high road.
Rick Barry, an attorney who is co-chairing Pickering's Meridian campaign, later added, "When mud gets thrown, we'll respond to it."