WASHINGTON – About one in four of the nation’s new jobs last month was created in Florida, a hopeful sign that the stricken state will slowly resume its customary role as an engine for economic growth during the next four years.

Economists say it might happen, and Florida voters certainly hope so.

While competing for Florida’s 29 electoral votes, President Barack Obama and Republican candidate Mitt Romney will convey conflicting messages of hope and despair when they discuss economic issues during their debate Wednesday night. They know that voter perceptions about the direction of the economy could decide the election, especially in the big boom-to-bust swing state of Florida.