Issue #367
Suzan DelBene vs. Pedro Celis: Minimum wage, maximum disagreement
The minimum wage was one area of maximum disagreement as U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-1) faced off Wednesday against Republican challenger Pedro Celis in the contest for Washington’s sprawling, diverse 1st Congressional District. “I support raising the (federal) minimum wage to $10.10 an hour,” said DelBene, saying that the hike up from $7.25 an hour “will lift nearly one million people out of poverty.” “I do not support raising the federal minimum wage to $10.10 or $15,” said Celis, a fellow Microsoft alumnus, arguing that a higher wage would lead to layoffs and “really hurt rather than help” minority employees and women. And, added Celis: “I see the minimum wage as a starting job rather than a living job.” Joel Connelly, Seattle P-I, 10-15-14.