Jobless Rates Rise in More Than Half of Election Battleground States

[NNN0LHI]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAKZC20ISD.html

WASHINGTON (AP) - Unemployment rates increased in February in nine of 17 battleground states that could decide the presidential election in November.

Jobless rates fell in six of the most contested states and held steady in two others, according to figures released Wednesday by the Labor Department.

Polls consistently show that jobs and the economy are the most important issues to voters, and that a majority think Democrat John Kerry is better suited to improve the situation than President Bush. The economy is growing, but hiring is near a standstill.

Overall, unemployment rates were lower in 24 states and Washington, D.C., in February, higher in 19 states and unchanged in seven, the report said. Businesses cut their payrolls in 27 states and increased hiring in 20 states and Washington, D.C. Hiring essentially was unchanged in three states.

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[Liberal Veteran]

1. But we had tax cuts!

This can't be true! Say it ain't so!

[pinniped]

2. Hang in there jobless folk, 2.6-3.8 million jobs just around the corner...

Where's that Snow spouting jerk?

[Journeyman]

3. When we first got the "Snow Job". . .

it was 2.6 million jobs before the election. That was in January. We needed to add 260,000 per month to meet the goal. I think we added 21 that month, all with the government, so essentially we were paying to lower our unemployment rate.

Now, here we are three months later, no closer to the target goal but far closer to the November deadline. With only 7 months to go, we need to add something over 370,000 jobs a month between now and then. Prospects don't look too good at the moment (especially in light of the article that started this thread), so I gotta figure the big hiring binge won't start until May, possibly July.

I know there are doubters out there who don't think it can be done, but I suspect the economy will easily add far more than the required 650,000 jobs per month this summer to meet the goal BushCo has so casually set. (/fantasy)