Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Joe Sestak portrayed himself as a champion of the middle class and struggling small business owners and claimed that his opponent represents only the wealthy and elite.

"There is a choice — he will take care of them, and I promise to work for you," Sestak told a mostly friendly gathering of small business owners and dozens of supporters in Lancaster on Wednesday.

Sestak, a second-term congressman from the Philadelphia suburbs, ripped Republican Pat Toomey for supporting tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and big corporations, saying they are based on the flawed belief that the highest earners will turn around and help the middle class.

"Wealth does not trickle down," said Sestak.

Toomey's campaign responded by questioning Sestak's support of the cap-and-trade energy tax and the health care reform legislation — which it says will "kill jobs and make it more expensive for small business owners to run their businesses."

"In contrast, Pat Toomey is a former small business owner who knows that jobs creation comes from hardworking individuals, not from government bureaucrats," said Toomey campaign spokeswoman Nachama Soloveichik.

Toomey and his brothers started a family-owned restaurant business.

Toomey, who served three terms as a Republican member of Congress from the Lehigh Valley, is locked in a dead heat with Sestak, according to the latest statewide polls. The winner on Nov. 2 will replace U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, who was beaten by Sestak in the Democratic primary.

The Sestak campaign event was held at La Cocina Restaurant, 111 E. King St.

Susan Lithgoe, who runs the George Street Café in Millersville, told Sestak that her 17-year-old business has felt the economic downturn.

"Right now families in Pennsylvania have cut back in what they're spending, and I feel it," she said. "Small business are going out of business."

Rosa Fernandez, who opened Ooh La La Creations on North Queen Street three years ago, said she's weighing the future of her business in the economic climate.

"I'm (strapped) for money," she told the lawmaker.

Sestak pledged to help the middle class by providing incentives to entrepreneurs.

They include a 15-percent tax credit to small businesses that add jobs, boost hours and increase pay; and raising lending limits from $3 million to $5 million for existing businesses and from $35,000 to $50,000 for startups, among other initiatives.

Sestak did face a tough question, though, from a small businessman from Lancaster.

Tim Trimble, a manufacturer's representative, pointed out that Sestak has never run a business or had to meet a payroll. He also asked Sestak about the National Federation of Independent Business' support of Toomey.

Sestak responded by talking about his years in the Navy, when he opposed the procurement of a larger fleet of 316 ships and instead favored a scaled back plan for only 250.

"I had to stand up at the risk of losing my job and say, 'That's wrong,' " Sestak said. He added that he is not surprised by NFIB's support of Toomey. "Special interests will support someone who supports big business," Sestak said.

Trimble interjected, however, by pointing out the organization represents small and independently owned businesses. In an interview following the event, Trimble said he is "very concerned about Sestak's lack of business experience."

"He's never had to be in the trenches with business people," Trimble said. Trimble took issue with Sestak's criticism of tax cuts for the wealthy. "The top 5 percent pay 80 percent of income taxes," he said. "Thirty percent pay nothing."

tmurse@lnpnews.com