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WASHINGTON Senate Republicans on Wednesday derailed a Democratic drive to raise the federal minimum wage, blocking a cornerstone of President Barack Obama's economic plans and ensuring the issue will be a major feature of this fall's congressional elections.

Facing the threat of a GOP takeover of the Senate, Democrats have forced votes on a procession of bills designed to amplify their message of economic fairness. Republican senators accused Democrats of playing politics by pushing a minimum-wage measure designed to lure voters but too expensive for employers and sure to result in lost jobs and higher inflation.

"This is about trying to make this side of the aisle look bad," said No. 2 Senate GOP leader John Cornyn of Texas.

The legislation, by Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa, would increase the $7.25 hourly minimum wage for American workers in three steps until it reached $10.10 after 30 months. The minimum has been at $7.25 since 2009.

"The vast majority of the American people support an increase in the minimum wage," said Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, in charge of Democrats' races this year. "(Opponents will) be subject to the observation that their priorities are somehow decoupled from the priorities of the American people."

All but daring Republicans to vote against the measure, Harkin said before the vote, "Who's going to vote to give these people a fair shot at the American dream? And who's going to vote against it?"

The answer came when senators voted 54-42 to continue debating the legislation six votes short of the 60 needed to keep the measure moving forward. Every voting Republican but one Bob Corker of Tennessee voted no.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada was the only Democrat to vote with the Republicans, a procedural move that will let Reid call for another vote.

Obama reacted with pointedly political remarks at a White House event with low-wage workers.

"We saw this morning a majority of senators saying yes, but almost every Republican saying no to giving America a raise," he said.

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Senate Republicans block bill for higher minimum wage