Nixon asks Missourians to share stories of these troubled economic times.

Taking issue with opponent Kenny Hulshof's positive statements about the economic outlook, Attorney General Jay Nixon just issued a release offering Missourians a chance to share their stories:


"

The state economy continues to be strong."

That's what my Republican opponent, Congressman Kenny Hulshof, said at a press conference in Columbia a few months ago.

I know better. I've been travelling the state for over a year now, meeting regular Missourians everywhere from small towns like Branson and Hannibal to our largest cities. "Strong" is the last word the folks I meet would use to describe Missouri's economy.

Has Missouri's economy been going "strong" for you lately? Or do you find yourself struggling to pay the bills, earn a raise, or even hold on to your job -- like so many middle-class Missourians these days?

I want to hear your story. Tell me how you have fared during these tough economic times in Missouri.

According to the Jefferson City News Tribune, Congressman Hulshof recently "said the economy is generally doing well." But the truth of the matter is it has been years since Missouri's economy actually worked for ordinary Missourians, as opposed to the fortunate few. Congressman Hulshof clearly isn't talking to Missouri's growing number of working families who find themselves struggling to make ends meet.

Over the past year, Missouri has lost more jobs than all eight bordering states combined. In fact, our bordering states have gained 44,300 jobs, while we've lost 14,700 jobs.

More Missourians are out of work now than at any point in nearly a quarter-century. Missouri's unemployment rate continues to rise. Four more years of Republican rule in Jefferson City would assure this terrible trend continues.

Missouri's economy is moving in the wrong direction, and I want to hear how you've fared. Have you lost your job, fallen deeper into debt, or seen your dreams slip away with Missouri's failing economy?

Turning Missouri's economy around won't be simple, but we can do it with fresh ideas and independent, experienced leadership in Jefferson City.

We need to start investing in our state's biggest asset -- its hardworking people. That means making sure that middle-class Missourians have an opportunity to get a four-year degree and graduate debt free. It means addressing skyrocketing health care costs so small businesses can once again thrive on Main Streets across Missouri. And it means investing in job-training programs and embracing new technology to make sure that our workers can compete in the 21st-Century economy.

We must also hold the line on taxes -- and provide additional relief to Missourians who need it most. That's why I have proposed a property tax relief plan for seniors, and aggressive legislation to crack down on payday lenders.

I want to hear from you. Tell me what my proposals for turning Missouri's economy around would mean for you and your family!

We need new, fresh ideas and bold, experienced leadership to turn Missouri's economy around. With your help, we'll bring the change we need to Jefferson City and welcome good-paying jobs back to our great state.