UPDATE: Neuhardt cites unemployment statistics as example of need for change

The campaign of attorney Sharen Neuhardt (D-Yellow Springs) is pointing to the latest U.S. Department of Labor report on unemployment levels as evidence that it's "time for a change."

The latest from the DOL shows that unemployment rate has risen to 6.1 percent, which is a five-year high. The DOL reported that 84,000 jobs were lost in the month of August, and the U.S. has lost 605,000 jobs since January, with the manufacturing industry losing 61,000 jobs last month.

"Working families in the 7th District are working longer and harder just to make ends meet," Neuhardt said. "I am committed to stepping up and improving the quality of life for our District's workforce. It's time we invest in the backbone of our economy."

The Neuhardt campaign says that creating "good jobs that grow Ohio's 7th District and the entire state is a top priority." The campaign says that, if elected, Neuhardt would work with Gov. Ted Strickland and Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher to "turn the Ohio economy around after years of Republican indifference."

Neuhardt says she would work to bring federal research and development funds to the District as well as investing in green automotive technology and green jobs. Neuhardt says she would stand against trade agreements "that cost Ohio jobs" and "use her business experience to work both with employers and employees to grow jobs and increase Ohio's competitiveness."

Neuhadt also hit opponent state Sen. Steve Austria (R-Beavercreek) for voting "against the interests of working people in the Ohio Legislature...against raising Ohio's minimum wage...against fair treatment for workers injured on the job" and voting "to make it harder for Ohio's workers to organize."

Neuhardt and Austria are vying to replace retiring U.S. Rep. David Hobson (R-Springfield) in Ohio's 7th Congressional District.

Update:

The Austria campaign also released a statement regarding the national employment figures.

"Our economy is the number one issue we are faced with today," Austria said. "We must invest in our economy to ensure businesses grow and create jobs.  That is why I have supported lowering gas prices through a comprehensive energy plan that includes drilling for American oil as well as making the temporary tax cuts permanent.  Our economy is suffering from high gas prices and high energy costs and we cannot afford the tax increases the Democrat Congress and my opponent have proposed."

The Austria campaign touted endorsements that Austria has recieved from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, The Business Industry Political Action Committee, The Ohio Society of CPAs, and the Ohio Farm Bureau among others.