A new federal report says the unemployment rate in the Steubenville area is hovering near 7 percent -- far above the national average. And, locally, manufacturing jobs are dwindling and agricultural jobs are changing.

In prior years, a job at the steel mill was a job for life. Now, fewer workers are walking into mills like Weirton Mittal, and those who are work fewer hours. In the meantime, supply companies such as AK Steel are suffering labor disputes.

The issue could decide who wins the Ohio Senate seat, and both candidates agree that the issue is extremely important on a statewide scope.

Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Xenia, said the government is responding and has stopped the bleeding of a wounded manufacturing industry.

"In Ohio, we do lag behind," he said, but added, "We've got some good spots. We have a lot of small businesses out there creating jobs."

DeWine also said Ohio is "doing well in new technology" including alternative fuel production. He cited a new ethanol refinery in Cadiz which will create jobs and produce about 20 million gallons of ethanol a year. He said this will also provide a new use for Ohio corn.

Even though coal mining is rebounding and Ohio military bases were protected from closure, DeWine's challenger, Sherrod Brown, said more could have been accomplished.

"We've seen 200,000 manufacturing jobs lost. We've seen tuition at state universities double. We've seen healthcare costs, prescription drugs, and the cost of oil -- as others states have -- go through the roof. I think people want a different direction," Brown said.

Brown, D-Avon, accused DeWine of not doing enough to lower the cost of gas or to stop free-trade agreements, which he said crippled Ohio manufacturers.

Even though the Ohio Valley is not one of the most heavily populated regions of Ohio, both candidates plan a flurry of local appearances in the coming weeks.

The two men agreed that the high unemployment rate and high-anxiety over the economy warrant heavy local campaigning.

Stay with NEWS9 for continuing coverage.

-Renee Cardelli & Scott MacFarlane, NEWS9