"Super Tuesday" marks two important events. It will be the biggest step so far in selecting the next President, but it will also be the first coast-to-coast election since the nation's economic troubles became front page news.

Of the 24 "Super Tuesday" states, 20 have seen their unemployment rates rise over the last six months.  Signs of economic trouble are a rising unemployment and under-employment rate.  When the job market weakens it hurts not just those who are out of work, but also suppresses pay levels for working people from the lowest-paid through middle-income families. Pay raises are fewer and farther apart when unemployment is high.

Employer-provided health insurance coverage declined in 18 states, leaving a growing share of the population uninsured in 19 states.  In 22 of the 24 states, private-sector employer-provided pension coverage declined.

This will, no doubt, be on the minds of voters as they cast their votes today and can also provide insights into voters? economic worries, hopes, and priorities.