Cheryl Randecker has known since January 2011 that her job at Sensata Technologies in Freeport was doomed. The company told her so as it announced plans to move production to China by the end of this year.

But the 52-year-old woman and other employees are still trying to press Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney to step in to save them.

Sensata is owned by Bain Capital. Romney once led that firm.

The situation has generated some national attention. Freeport Mayor George Gaulrapp has called for Romney to debate President Barack Obama in Freeport. Sen. Dick Durbin has weighed in.

So far neither Romney nor Obama has responded.

Randecker concedes the 170 jobs are likely gone. But she says their effort has at least given her and others a voice.