On Trade, 2008 Is the New 2006

Public Citizen's Eyes on Trade [1] notes that when it comes to trade taking center stage in politics, 2008 seems to be the new 2006. Back two years ago, populist indictments of America's unfair trade policies played a decisive role [2] in races for Congress all over the country. And now it seems like its deja vu all over again, as Yogi Berra might say.

Public Citizen notes the prevalence of trade in a hot race in Pennsylvania. Trade is also rearing its head in the Deep South. Here's an excerpt from the Associated Press [3] bureau in Montgomery, Alabama about a local congressional race:

"The number one thing people in the 3rd District are upset about is jobs being shipped overseas," Segall said.

He blamed the loss of jobs to international trade pacts such as the Central America Free Trade Agreement.

Fasten your seat belts, folks. Trade - the issue that the Washington pundits and operatives wish would go away - is back as a major campaign issue.