WASHINGTON (WTAQ) - The nation’s jobless rate went above nine percent Friday, as U.S. employers added the fewest number of jobs in May in eight months.

Only 54,000 new positions were created last month – down heavily from the 220,000 new jobs in each of the last 3 months. More people entered the workforce but many couldn’t find work – and that’s why the unemployment rate edged up by one-tenth-of-a-point.

U.S. Senate Republican Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said the numbers, “show the failure of the Obama economic record.” He said a credible plan to restrain government spending and restore public confidence in the economy must be adopted now. In Johnson’s words, “Republicans are ready to seriously address these problems, but we’re waiting for a willing partner.”

La Crosse House Democrat Ron Kind agreed there should be spending cuts, but political gridlock does not create jobs. He said the parties need to come up with a bi-partisan compromise that, “focuses on fiscal responsibility while maintaining investments in our communities.”

Kind said those investments should focus on technology and innovation, and growing the state’s manufacturing sector.

Nationally, factories cut 5,000 jobs in May. And private employers hired 83,000 new workers in May – the fewest in almost a year.

House Republican Sean Duffy of Ashland said the economy needs certainty and clarity and, “for too long, we have gotten neither from Washington.”