Are the Dems at a Disadvantage? Discuss...

Given pathetic poll turnout in the United States, political parties are pumping up issues not just for their own sake but also for the sake of increasing voter turnout. This has been a particularly effective strategy for Republicans (Read, gay marriage). "In 2004, an Ohio referendum on gay marriage was widely credited with helping George Bush beat John Kerry in that state" (The Economist, 7/1). Apparently though Dems are firing back at the Republicans somewhat by using one of their supposed "strong-suits," the minimum wage. To counter this ploy to get more progressives out to the polls, however, Republicans in some states like Michigan are passing laws to increase the minimum wage through their legislatures rather than putting it to a voter referendum that might boost poll turnout amongst progressives. It seems that Republicans can get away with letting these types of laws through legislatures without alienating much of their support base. I suppose--at least in this case--the unsexiness of economics works in their favor. My question is can the Dems do the same thing back to Republicans? Can Dems compromise on so-called Republican "strong-suits" or do the Republicans have an advantage? In the case of gay marriage at least it doesn't seem to me like Democrats (at least on a state level) have much room to give. Anyway, thoughts?