It’s no secret that Democrats want to raise the minimum wage this election year, or that they think it’s a winning issue. So it was no surprise to hear Rep. George Miller (D-CA) blasting Republicans: “So what are the Republicans doing when they won’t vote for the minimum wage?” he asked. “They’re standing on the throat of our economy. Because the economy is sluggish and your wages are the key to the recovery, we have to increase those wages.” Actually, raising the minimum wage would hurt the economy, the reason why Republicans oppose it. The CBO says it will destroy 500,000 jobs and cost the economy $15 billion. In fact, 500 economists have urged Congress to not raise it by the proposed 40%. So who’s standing on the throat of our economy?