Unemployment rates rose in 44 states last month, the most states to show a monthly increase in more than three years, according to the Labor Department.

Nine of those states are considered serious battlegrounds in the presidential election.

Nevada saw the greatest increase in unemployment, with a jump from 11.6 percent to 12 percent in July.
    
Nationwide, hiring did improve slightly in July, following three dismal months of hiring. But the job gains have been barely enough to accommodate population growth.