As we move into the final stretch of this fall’s midterm elections, it is important not to become distracted by last-minute vote pandering.

We are speaking, of course, about current Governor Rod Blagojevich verbally announcing last Saturday his intent to raise the state’s minimum wage if he is re-elected.

We personally can’t think of a more desperate ploy the governor could use to once again secure Illinois’ highest office.

Blagojevich said he would introduce the measure in next month’s veto session — though he had the entire regular session, but did not address it then. Under his proposal, the state’s minimum wage would increase to $7.50, $1 more than the current wage and $2.35 more than the nation’s paltry offering.

Though at first glance, more money would sound appealing, but this measure would hurt Illinois’ economy because employers may slow growth in Illinois due to higher labor costs than those in neighboring states

It also will drive up the state’s cost of living and increase unemployment. In local terms, NIU would have to decrease the number of hourly employees it hires because it would have the same budget but still have to pay a higher wage.

Not to mention the number of businesses that would most likely relocate because of increased operating expenses.

Though the prospect of another dollar — before taxes — sounds enticing, we don’t believe Blagojevich’s sincerity in proposing this measure because it will not even be debated until after the election.