But days before Stephen made that remark the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that New Hampshire has the second fastest growing job market in the country. And in the last year, while nationally jobs were lost, nearly 10,000 new jobs were created in the Granite State. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

When John Stephen announced his campaign, he tried to tell people that New Hampshire wasn't one of the best states for businesses.  But he quoted a report from the conservative Tax Foundation showing just the opposite.  In fact, New Hampshire is the 7th most business friendly state in the country. (Concord Monitor, 3/4/2010; Taxfoundation.org)

And earlier this month, the New Hampshire Business Review called out Stephen's rhetoric on jobs, writing that "Hyperbole was Job Number 1."  And they pointed to New Hampshire's "lowest-in-the-region unemployment rate," that is currently nearly 40% below the national rate, to refute his claims. (NHBR, 7/16/2010)

"John Stephen has no credibility when it comes to talking about jobs and the economy," said Harrell Kirstein, press secretary for the New Hampshire Democratic Party.  "For months, he has ignored the facts and repeated the same incorrect statistics and partisan attacks."

"Clearly, John Stephen has spent too much time working for out of state consulting groups to understand that New Hampshire is leading the economic recovery," continued Kirstein.  "Under Governor Lynch's responsible and steady leadership, the Granite State continues to thrive."

"And Gov. Lynch won't stop working until every citizen who wants a job can get a job," added Kirstein.  "He has a comprehensive economic plan that uses tax credits, job training, and other initiatives such as New Hampshire Working and the Green Jobs Launching Pad, to help small businesses grow and create new jobs."