FACT CHECK: AFF's TV ad attacking Kyrsten Sinema

PHOENIX - With less than 45 days to go before the November election, things are really starting to heat up both nationally and here locally in Arizona.

A host of attack ads hit the airwaves this week including several in Arizona's ninth congressional district featuring Democrat Kyrsten Sinema and Republican Vernon Parker .

ABC15 put an ad from the American Future Fund attacking Sinema to a fact check.

In the 30 second ad, the American Future Fund questions whether Sinema's views reflect the majority of Arizonans.

The ad first alleges "Kyrsten Sinema supported income and sales tax hikes that will drive up the costs of everyday living for struggling families."

ABC15 determined that claim to be FICTION.

In a Project Vote Smart candidate survey from 2006, Sinema did indicate she would "greatly increase" income taxes but only for those who make more than $75,000.

An income greater than $75,000 would not constitute "struggling" as the ad claims.

The ad's second allegation is that "(Sinema) described herself as a socialist."

ABC15 determined that claim to be MISLEADING.

The quote attributed to Sinema comes from a 2006 interview , with the now defunct 944 Magazine, a fashion and lifestyle publication.

Sinema referred to herself as a "Prada socialist" while describing her wardrobe.

The ad's final accusation is that "Kyrsten Sinema attacked stay-at-home moms, calling them leeches."

ABC15 determined that claim to be a FACT.

In the same interview with 944 Magazine, Sinema did refer to women "leeching off their husbands or boyfriends."

Sinema apologized and claimed the interview with 944 Magazine was "tongue in cheek."

The Sinema campaign released a statement to ABC15 that reads:

"This is a typically dishonest smear ad from a shady out-of-state group. Arizona voters are too smart to fall for this trash."