Since recession-driven job losses bottomed out in early 2010, Kansas has consistently trailed the nation and most surrounding states in private-sector job creation, according to an analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

And that trend is mostly continuing in 2014, the data shows.

Job creation has emerged as a major issue in the race for governor between incumbent Sam Brownback and challenger Paul Davis, the House minority leader from Lawrence.

The two sides offer wildly conflicting claims about jobs, with Brownback citing the creation of more than 55,000 private-sector jobs on his watch and record-setting employment in Kansas.

More: Survey: Kansas Still Trailing in Jobs Creation