U.S. Republican presidential candidate John McCain and his running mate vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin attend a campaign event in Cedarburg, Wisconsin, 05 Sep 2008

The top two contenders for the U.S. presidency have criticized each other's economic plans, as a new jobs report shows unemployment in the United States at a five year high. 

On his first day campaigning as the Republican nominee, John McCain said the rising jobless rate shows that Americans "are hurting." He promised a new plan to create jobs and boost small businesses. 

Obama and Biden in Denver 27August

And he accused his Democratic rival, Barack Obama, of planning to raise taxes, which McCain said would damage the economy.  

Obama said today's (Friday's) report on job losses show "what is at stake in this election." He accused President Bush of doing too little to manage economic issues and said McCain plans to manage the economy the same way Mr. Bush has for the past eight years.  

Many voters have told opinion poll researchers that the economy is their most important issue.