Plummer Criticizes Opponent as "Out of Touch" for Statements on the Economy

Press Release

Jason Plummer criticized his Democrat opponent for being "out-of-touch" and "economically naive" following his comments that "the job market is gradually getting better under President Obama" the day before a report showed the Illinois unemployment rate rose to 8.9 percent.

"It's stunning to see how out-of-touch my opponent is on the most pressing issue of the day," Plummer said. "Families across Southern Illinois are hurting, and he is too blinded by his partisan loyalties to understand the economic struggles the District's residents are facing."

The Department of Employment Security report released Thursday showed the state unemployment rate increased from 8.7 to 8.9 percent for the month of July. It marked the second consecutive month that the Illinois unemployment rate increased. This news comes on the heels of the report that showed the unemployment rate increased in every 12th District county in June. The unemployment rate of the District is currently greater than 9.4 percent.

"More than 7,000 jobs were lost in July. That is more than a number. It's family members, friends, and neighbors who are unable to find work," Plummer said. "Southern Illinois needs a Congressman who will fight to bring quality jobs back to the District, not rubber-stamp the policies that have devastated the region."

Since entering the race in October, Plummer has been focused on improving the Southern Illinois economy. He has released multiple points from his 12-part jobs plan on his specific proposals to help bring jobs back to the District. Each portion of the job plan details how he will return prosperity to Southern Illinois.

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