Watts slates Meridian visit

By By William F. West / community editor
Sept. 20, 2002
U.S. Rep. J.C. Watts will be at Meridian High School today as a guest of U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering.
Watts, R-Okla., will speak to the faculty and student body at 11:45 a.m. An hour later, he will speak to the football team about football, politics and life.
Watts, 44, played quarterback at the University of Oklahoma. He also played in the Canadian Football League, became a businessman and held statewide office. After winning election to Congress in 1994, he moved up quickly, becoming the No. 4 man in the House Republican leadership.
Watts' visit comes as Pickering, 39, a Republican from Laurel, and U.S. Rep. Ronnie Shows, 55, a Democrat from Bassfield, are campaigning for the right to represent the newly redrawn 3rd Congressional District. The two were paired against each other as a result of redistricting.
Pickering campaign spokesman Quinton Dickerson said he believes that Watts, who is black, will speak about how he has helped the GOP reach out to minorities.
Shows spokesman Troy Colbert said he believes Pickering is worried.