Republican Rep. Mary Bono Mack and Democratic challenger Raul Ruiz today condemned the attacks on a U.S. consulate in eastern Libya that killed the U.S. ambassador and three American members of his staff.

Bono Mack, a Palm Springs Republican, released two different statements through her campaign office. One called it an “appalling act of violence (that) cannot go unpunished.” The second called for national unity.

“Freedom must be protected at home and abroad. No American serving anywhere in any official capacity should be endangered because of the protection of freedom of speech in our constitution,” Bono Mack said in the second statement.

“America must make it very clear to our friends and our enemies what it is we stand for and what we will not tolerate. The right to freedom of speech is not up for debate. America’s resolve to defend its friends and its allies must be made clear to all.

“Now we stand ready, united as Americans, to support the president as he leads us forward for an appropriate response that the world will hear.”

Ruiz, an emergency room physician from Palm Desert, expressed similar sentiment.

“This act of violence can only be condemned,” he said in an email.

“The U.S. lost a dedicated public servant in Ambassador Stevens, and a tireless advocate for democracy and human rights. Ambassador Stevens lived up to the best traditions of American leadership, he stood with the people of Libya as they toppled a dictator, and he risked his life to promote their human rights.

“This attack will never undermine our dedication to democracy and human rights.”

The Desert Sun asked both 36th Congressional candidates to specify what next steps the country should take. But neither campaign has provided specifics this afternoon.