Video: What will the governor do to spur economy?

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TUKWILA, Wash. - James Wimbush is trying to support a wife and two kids.

AJ Brammer is hoping he'll land a job this month.

Both men are among thousands of Washingtonians hoping the job market flourishes - and soon.

"The climate is wait and see, and people are uncertain," Wimbush said.

The most recent unemployment numbers were a mixed blessing for Governor Christine Gregoire. They showed job growth, as well as the highest unemployment percentage during her term for the month of September at 5. 8 percent.

Both candidates for governor today addressed the question of how they'd lower that number.

Republican Dino Rossi said he'll create jobs by cutting taxes on businesses, which he believes currently hinder growth.

"We have to create an environment where small business can succeed," Rossi said. "Workers compensation costs, the third highest payout in America, unemployment insurance rates, the highest in America, business and occupation tax, the only state in the union with a full blown gross receipts tax."

Gov. Chris Gregoire disagrees, although she says she's open to a change in the B&O tax.

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Dino Rossi and Gov. Chris Gregoire are both campaigning in the Washington state gubernatorial race.

She feels a key to growth and job creation may be to offer further tax incentives to companies to do business in rural counties.

"The green economy, look what has happened with wind and solar power in our state. Longview and Vancouver ports are humming," Gregoire said.

Brammer and Wimbush both believe whoever wins two weeks from now will have to make quick decisions.

"I think it will take dynamic leadership," Wimbush said.

Both Rossi and Gregoire agree the minimum wage should not be cut.

However, Rossi says he would support a lower wage for teenagers younger than 18.

Right now the minimum wage for 14- and 15-year-olds is $6.86 an hour.