Here are some numbers to ponder. Organizations like the AAM are sometimes given to a bit of hyperbole, but even if their figures are half right, the trend doesn't paint a pretty picture. Here's a question: Would we be worse off or better off if those jobs had not migrated outside the U.S.?

Washington, DC.  January 28, 2008.  A new analysis by the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) on the 24 states holding caucuses or primaries on February 5th found that:

-The 24 states have lost approximately 1,568,600 manufacturing jobs in the past seven years.  (Source:  Bureau of Labor Statistics)

-These 24 states have lost a total of 914,400 jobs across all sectors between 2001 and 2006 as a direct result of the U.S. trade deficit with China.  (Source: Economic Policy Institute)

-Manufacturing is the top contributor to the economies of 15 of these states.

“Jobs and the economy will be the top issues that drive voters to the polls on Super Tuesday,” said AAM Director Scott Paul.  “The Super Tuesday states have lost more than 1.5 million manufacturing jobs--good-paying jobs that can’t really be replaced by lower-paying service sector jobs.  The presidential candidates would be wise to directly address these issues and let the voters know what they will do to strengthen American manufacturing, challenge China’s unfair trade practices, and reform our broken trade policy.”

Manufacturing and Trade with China: Super Important for Super Tuesday

* Indicates that manufacturing ranks as the largest contributor to the state’s economy