The economy added 171,000 jobs last month, while the unemployment rate increased ever-so-slightly to 7.9 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

The Labor Department called the unemployment rate "essentially unchanged."

Here's what Matt Doheny, Republican congressional candidate against Democratic Rep. Bill Owens on Tuesday, had to say about this turn of events:

"The fact that the monthly unemployment rate has crept back toward 8 percent is likely no surprise to the 20 million Americans desperately looking for full-time work. The figures are proof positive that Congress and the president need to come together and create a true pro-growth agenda that will lead to more opportunity and better wages.

"The current lineup has failed the American people. This month's job creation figures - while containing a few bright spots - are still lagging well behind the small gains we saw at the beginning of this year. We need leaders who are serious about tackling our county's biggest challenges and convincing our county's job creators to come off the sidelines.

"On Tuesday, voters have the opportunity to give a new team the chance to make a positive difference. I believe I have the business experience sorely lacking in Congress and can help turn around our troubled economy. All I need is a chance."

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