States' Voting on Wages May Boost Kerry; Higher Minimum-Pay Measures Could Increase Turnout by Democratic-Leaning Workers
PROPONENTS of a higher minimum wage, frustrated by federal inaction, are turning their attention to the state level, and their efforts to tap voters' angst over the quality of new jobs could affect the presidential race.</br></br>In November, voters in two key battlegrounds, Nevada and Florida, will be asked to raise the minimum wage in their states. Those on both sides of the initiatives believe the measures could increase voter turnout among Democratic-leaning African-Americans, Hispanics and low- income workers -- and possibly boost Democratic nominee Sen. John Kerry's showing against President Bush.</br></br>The initiative drives have no formal connection to Mr. Kerry or the Democrats, and they come after 12 other states and Washington, D.C., already have established minimum wages higher than the federal rate. That figure, now $5.15 an hour, was last raised by Congress in 1997.</br></br>Democrats and their allies hope the measures can help mobilize core backers upset about the economy in the same way Republicans pick up support from initiatives important to their supporters. Polls suggest Democrats hold the high ground on economics this year, and pushing for a higher minimum wage provides an opportunity to spotlight their policies. Similarly, allies of the president have been pressing state initiatives to bar gay marriage in several electoral battlegrounds.</br></br>This year, polls show, weak job growth, the low pay of many newly created jobs and a widening gap between rich and poor are weighing on voters' minds. While many economists believe a higher minimum wage deters employment of low-skilled workers, the issue has wide political appeal, and even many business-friendly Republicans are loath to openly oppose an increase.