The democratic primary contest between incumbent Neil Breslin and challenger Shawn Morse continues to heat up before next month’s primary election. Friday, Breslin held an event calling for a raise in the minimum wage, while also taking shots at Morse. Our Nick Reisman has more.

ALBANY, N.Y. -- It's no secret that Democratic Senator Neil Breslin wants to see the state's minimum wage increase from $7.25 to $8.50 and then tie future increases to the rate of inflation.

His primary opponent, Shawn Morse, backs the proposal, too. But the Capital Region lawmaker is facing a stiff challenge from Morse, an Albany county legislator.

On Friday, he held a news conference flanked by elected officials reiterating his support for the measure.

Breslin said, “It's not a Democrat or Republican issue. It's an issue of economic justice, of social justice and fairness. And if we don't get it, then shame on us. I ask you join with me. To up the tempo, to talk about it in your community, to make sure it becomes a reality.”

Morse's campaign released a statement saying Breslin didn't push hard for a minimum wage increase during the recent two year term Democrats held the Senate majority. Morse has also hammered Breslin for taking money from insurance companies. It's criticism that Breslin on Friday called disingenuous.