The ADN asked Alaska candidates for Congress their views on a variety of issues. We're printing their responses between now and Election Day.

Q: Should Congress continue President Bush's tax cuts to stimulate the economy? Explain.

U.S. SENATE

FREDERICK "DAVID" HAASE

Libertarian

www.davidforalaska.com

Yes, but do we need to call them "Bush"?

TED STEVENS

Republican

tedstevens2008.com

Yes. I supported extending the tax cuts, which strengthened Alaska's economy. Lower tax rates promote growth and opportunities for small business. If the tax cuts expire, small businesses face higher taxes immediately. This would be the highest income tax increase on small businesses since WWII. Such a tax increase impacts low-income workers and small business owners. Alaskan families and businesses cannot afford higher taxes with the extreme pressure on their budgets from fuel prices.

MARK BEGICH

Democrat

www.begich.com

As I have detailed on www.Begich.com, I would re-focus tax cuts on helping middle-class families reach their dreams -- covering childcare costs, sending their children to college, buying a home, and moving up the job ladder, as well as tax relief for small businesses to help cover the cost of health insurance. We also need a new investment in rebuilding our infrastructure and retrofitting federal buildings with energy-efficient technology, which will help stimulate the economy.

BOB BIRD

Alaskan Independence Party

www.birdforsenate.com

Tax cuts without SPENDING CUTS are just as destructive as raising taxes. The infusion of worthless currency that results from this is a threat to the savings and pensions of every citizen. It amazes me that those who want more government services want to raise taxes yet again ... but those that want tax relief forget to ask for spending relief as well.

NOTE: Senate candidate Ted Gianoutsos (no party, www.tedandfred.com) says he is running on one issue: opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas development, and chose not to answer individual issue questions.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

DON YOUNG

Republican

donyoung08.com

If these tax cuts are lost, American tax bills will increase after 2010 as key provisions of the 2001 and 2003 tax acts expire. Among these are: the death tax, the reduced marriage penalty, the doubled child tax credit, the 10 percent bracket for low wage earners, and reduced marginal rates across all income levels. If we don't make these cuts permanent the market will remain on edge as huge tax increases loom on the horizon.

ETHAN BERKOWITZ

Democrat

www.ethanberkowitz.com

With gas, food and health-care costs rising, I favor middle-class tax cuts. Bush's tax breaks for the wealthy haven't helped middle-class Alaskans. Prices keep going up and paychecks remain the same, making it harder and harder for families to get ahead. The question isn't who's going to cut taxes, it's whose taxes they'll cut. Some support tax cuts for the wealthiest 1 percent. I support tax cuts for middle-class families and small businesses.