Candidates vying to represent the Coachella Valley in the state and federal legislatures tackled the issues Tuesday at a Rancho Mirage candidates forum.

Julie Bornstein, Democratic challenger in the 45th Congressional District race, attended the forum.

Incumbent U.S. Rep. Mary Bono Mack, R-Palm Springs, did not attend since she was at a presidential debate-watching party in Temecula, said campaign manager Jon-Marc Blalock.

Candidates for the 64th and 80th Assembly districts and the the 37th Senate District also attended the forum.

Here's where they stood on the issues.

On the federal bailout plan passed last week: “You can't begin your arson investigation while the house is still burning down,” Bornstein said, referring to Monday's stock market plunge despite the bailout plan.

“We should not be giving people rewards for exploiting our lifestyles,” she said.

On encouraging other cities to follow Palm Desert's example, sponsoring legislation for residents to go green:

“This is our future,” said Arthur Bravo Guerrero, Democratic candidate for the 37th Senate District. He suggested pumping more funds into education to include classes on the environment.

“Let's not forget that solar and wind have a couple of problems,” said John Benoit, Guerrero's Republican challenger. “Nuclear power has to be a part of our future if we're going to” compete in the world market, he said, noting France's success with nuclear energy.

On curbing spending and balancing the budget:

Brian Nestande, a Republican running unopposed for the 64th Assembly District, called for a spending cap. He called a cap “the ultimate hammer” and advocated offshore oil drilling as a new revenue source.

Bornstein called for a “responsible withdrawal” from Iraq to save $10 billion a month, she said. She advocated “pay as you go” government spending.