U.S. Rep. Todd Platts, R-York County, and his Democratic opponent, Phil Avillo of York, tackled issues ranging from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to global warming as part of a Wednesday night forum held by the Gettysburg Area Democracy for America.

It wasn't a sparring match between the two opponents, merely a chance for both to explain their platforms and answer questions from audience members.

Both began their 20 minutes inside Valentine Hall at the Lutheran Theological Seminary with a brief introduction, followed by their views on the role of Congress with regard to Middle East policy and their views on the regulation of carbon emissions.

Avillo said he stood by his idea of a phased, responsible withdrawal of military forces from Iraq over the next 18 months.

Platts was less willing to define a timeline for withdrawal, saying that a plan in Iraq must be "governed by the facts on the ground," which he said changes monthly, if not daily.

Platts said the role of the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan is to "help the countries help themselves," while Avillo said he believed this country's role in Afghanistan should be completely reviewed by Congress.

As for carbon emissions, both said Congress must insist on rules and regulations to control greenhouse gases.

More specifically, Platts said he has an approach targeting the promotion of energy independence and the reduction of carbon emissions, both of which he's worked on while in Congress for the past

Also joining the two Congressional candidates were Neil Clifford, a Democrat running for the Hanover/Adams County-area 193rd District seat in the State House of Representatives, and Bruce Tushingham, a Democrat running for the 33rd District seat in the state Senate, to represent parts of western York County, and Adams and Franklin counties.

Republicans running for those seats -- Will Tallman and Rich Alloway -- were unable to attend because of prior commitments.

Clifford and Tushingham were asked questions about single-payer health care -- something both men said they supported -- and global warming.

Tushingham said he read that Pennsylvania accounts for 1 percent of the world's global warming, and it's up to the state to "step up its efforts," especially when it comes to wind and solar power.

Clifford, who works with hydropower with Voith Siemens Hydro in York, said that alternative power needs to be made a priority and that the state needs to seek out the people skilled in the trade.

Both Clifford and Tushingham cited bringing honesty back to Harrisburg as the motivating factor pushing them to run for office.