Mitchell, Ringo Back Higher Min. Wage

Supporters of U.S. Senate candidate Nels Mitchell and U.S. House candidate Shirley Ringo listen as the two Democrats tout an increase in the state’s $7.25 minimum wage at a rally at Riverstone Park Monday. Former state senator Mary Lou Reed is seated right. (Photo: Duane Rasmussen)

U.S. Senate candidate Nels Mitchell and House candidate Shirley Ringo believe a major disconnect exists when it comes to the issue of minimum wage. Idaho’s all-Republican congressional delegation and Republican majority in the state Legislature oppose an increase of the minimum wage. Meanwhile, a majority of the public supports additional pay for the state’s lowest-wage workers, Mitchell and Ringo, both Democrats, said Monday. The two were in Coeur d’Alene campaigning together, organizing what they called a “Living Wage Rally” at Riverstone Park. They also appeared earlier in the day together in Lewiston for a rally, and made appearances throughout the state on earlier dates/ David Cole , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here . (Coeur d’Alene Press photo by Shawn Gust: Nels Mitchell, left, and Shirley Ringo, center, support increase in minimum wage)