Primary countdown: Ann Kirkpatrick, Congressional District 1

The primary election is Aug. 28 and early balloting is underway. Between now and Aug. 20, InMaricopa.com will publish two to three Q & As done with candidates in primary races.

Today: Ann Kirkpatrick, Democratic candidate for Congressional District 1. She is running against Wenona Benally Baldenegro.

Name: Ann Kirkpatrick
Age: 62
Occupation: Attorney
Residence: Flagstaff
Family: Married with two daughters
Education: J.D., University of Arizona College of Law, 1979; B.A., University of Arizona, 1972
Hobbies: Reading, restoring and driving my 1941 Cadillac, hiking, spending time with family and friends.
Favorite quote: For years, I have kept a quote on my desk that was given to me by a veteran. It reads, “Because they have already paid the price, fight for veterans with all your might.” The heroic sacrifices our fighting men and women have made for our country must be honored with our unfailing support of veterans’ benefits and veterans' programs like job placement, health care and education. I pledge to continue to serve and fight for our veterans each and every day.
Heart’s desire: Live life with integrity and honesty.
Political experience: Representative, U.S. Congress, District 1, 2009-2010; Arizona State House, District 2, 2005-2007.

Why are you running?

I have a vision for this district based on a lifetime of service here. CD1 needs a stable, diversified economy. This district is the perfect place for emerging industries like solar and biotech. We must provide incentives for these businesses to relocate and to manufacture in Pinal County. Pinal County is also a critical transportation corridor we must continue to expand by supporting small businesses and the I-11 highway. I also believe ranching and mining communities must maintain their way of life. In the northern part of the district, environmental treasures like the Grand Canyon are economic drivers and must be protected.

What is your biggest election challenge?

For folks in CD1, broadband coverage and cellular service have always been major challenges. I’m on the road nearly every day, and it’s a challenge to stay connected when calls are constantly dropped and email and the Internet are inaccessible. This is a daily reality for residents and small businesses across CD1. We need someone in Congress fighting to solve real-life problems like these rather than wasting time on partisan games. My considerable time on the road serves as a constant reminder that many areas of this district lack adequate broadband cellphone coverage, and I am committed to improving this everyday struggle for CD1 residents.

Why should Maricopans vote for you?

I am the candidate with a record of putting the district first. I would fight to bring infrastructure like the I-11 transportation project to boost economic development in Pinal County. Voters want results, not partisanship; I have a record of reaching across the aisle. In Congress, I was not afraid to break from my party on votes like the bailouts or cap and trade. I opposed every bailout because I don’t believe bailouts are fiscally responsible. I voted against cap and trade because it would devastate small towns across CD1. I’ve also stood up to Republicans pushing uranium mining at the Grand Canyon or pushing risky proposals to dismantle Medicare.

Who are you voting for president?

The president. My district comes first, and he agrees that we need to ban uranium mining at the Grand Canyon, and that CD1’s rural communities need stronger schools and better roads, and that our tribal regions need the Indian Health Service to be funded and modernized. But I won’t hesitate to oppose him or party leadership on behalf of the district. I voted against cap and trade, for example, because it would devastate local communities and jobs across CD1.

What is the greatest challenge facing the country? What would you do about it?

Washington needs to reign in unnecessary spending. In Congress, I was a relentless advocate for fiscal responsibility. With the federal debt at historic levels and the deficit over $1.5 trillion, I repeatedly stood up to the administration and House leadership and fought to cut spending and crack down on waste. I believe Congress should follow the lead of folks in rural Arizona, who know how to do more with less.

I am a staunch opponent of government bailouts. I was one of the earliest voices calling for returned bailout funds to be used to reduce the debt, and I co-sponsored the bipartisan Repaying the American Taxpayer Act to put that plan into action. I supported billions in spending cuts during the FY2010 appropriations process as part of my Do More With Less initiative. I also pushed for deep reductions from the White House’s proposed FY2011 budget. I am an original co-sponsor of the new pay-as-you-go law, forcing Congress to offset all new spending dollar-for-dollar by finding savings elsewhere.

Elected leaders should lead by example, which is why I also introduced the Taking Responsibility for Congressional Pay Act, which would cut pay for members of Congress for the first time since the Great Depression.

What are your plans for immigration reform?

We need a federal immigration strategy that secures our borders while offering fair and sensible reforms. Pinal County needs a representative who will empower local law enforcement with resources to protect our communities. We need to help farmers, ranchers and other industries facing labor shortages. While I don’t support amnesty, we need a mechanism to match willing workers with willing employers while protecting the rights of legal immigrants. I also support the Dream Act, which provides a fair and sensible process so we are not punishing those who were brought into this country as children and are working hard and playing by the rules.