Mr Scott Paul executive director of Alliance for American Manufacturing said that "The US manufacturing sector lost 51,000 jobs in September 2008. Now more than ever, it is critical that the candidates for President and the Congress commit to an aggressive plan to stem the flow of manufacturing jobs overseas."

Mr Paul said that "Washington should quickly pivot its attention to the structural problems in our economy a massive trade debt, a crumbling infrastructure, and competitive pressures that are eliminating good paying manufacturing jobs. Communities all over America are suffering. It’s time for Washington to respond."

He said that "The big picture is of lost jobs and excessive debt. In our Town Hall meetings, we are asking voters to look at the positions of their elected officials. Are they helping to create and sustain productive American jobs? This is really a key issue for the November 2008 election."