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WASHINGTON (AP) - Unemployment rates increased in February in nine of 17 battleground states that could decide the presidential election in November.
Jobless rates fell in six of the most contested states and held steady in two others, according to figures released by the Labor Department.
Polls consistently show that jobs and the economy are the most important issues to voters, and that a majority think Democrat John Kerry is better suited to improve the situation than President Bush. The economy is growing, but hiring is near a standstill.
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