Ann Kirkpatrick (D) and Sydney Hay (R) squared off last week in a debate that focused on the economic crisis that resulted in a $700 billion bailout passing the House and Senate.

Kirkpatrick outlined her plan accordingly:

"We need to take immediate action to give relief to Arizona's middle-class families and small businesses bearing the brunt of a slumping economy. I raised a family and started a small business in this district, so I know about the challenges of an unfair tax system that always seems tilted against success. I'm running for Congress because it's time to fix this broken system by cutting taxes for Arizonans struggling to make ends meet."

Her initiatives to lighten the financial burden on the middle class play out accordingly:

- Supporting small businesses by offering more affordable healthcare and ensuring the coverage of Arizona's children under the S-CHIP program.

- More federal investments towards improving our infrastructure.

- Tax cuts for small businesses, for example the Estate Tax.

- Tax cuts for middle class families:

"Our families need immediate relief," said Kirkpatrick. "In Congress, I will push for permanent tax cuts for 86 million middle-class families who are struggling to fill up their trucks, pay for groceries, and afford quality health care."