With Unemployment Already High, Why Are Leftists Pushing for an Increase in the Minimum Wage?

The Demonrats continuously call for an increase in the minimum wage, thereby appealing to the poor. The Repubs continuously argue against it, thereby placing themselves in disfavor with the poor. I have often pondered what the result would be, if the Repubs one-upped the Demonrats by adding 25 cents to the Demonrat proposal. That would either shut them up or put them in the unenviable position of trying to start a bidding war. Secondarily, if it does truly damage unemployment among the lowest skilled labor force, let them be shown the light. Otherwise, we could, gasp, let the market set the minimum wage. At every individual business, not nationally.