Rarely before has Georgia’s monthly unemployment rate been so anticipated, but Thursday’s release could influence next month’s gubernatorial election.

Republican Gov. Nathan Deal has campaigned extensively on his stewardship of Georgia’s economy. His Democratic opponent, Jason Carter, has repeatedly slammed Deal over Georgia’s high jobless rate.

Georgia notched an 8.1 percent rate in August — the highest in the nation.

The state’s unemployment rate has dropped slightly each of the last three Septembers. It rose slightly the preceding four Septembers.