Imagine, if you can, that you are a fast-food worker catching sight of Ohio Sen. Rob. Portman heading to an upscale restaurant down the street.

“Senator,” you call out. “I need to talk to you.”

Portman, always looking divinely benign, stops for a moment while you catch up.

“Senator,” you say in an out-of-breath sort of way,”I really need your help. I have to hold three jobs on my minimum wage and I have a wife and two small children. Can I count on you to support an increase in the minimum?”

Looking divinely benign, the senator smiles, taps you […]