Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (pictured), the Republican representative for California’s 45th district, and her leading Democratic challenger, gay Palm Springs mayor Steven Pougnet, agree that Congress should pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

According to The Desert Sun,  the seven-term incumbent and widow of Sonny Bono said she has “consistently opposed discrimination of any kind, including in the workplace.” She has received scores between 55 and 75 on a 100-point scale from the Human Rights Campaign for her voting record on LGBT issues.

Pougnet is a former city council member elected mayor in 2007. He and his partner, Christopher, have two children.

The candidates’ ENDA support comes as pressure intensifies for Congress to act this year, according to The Desert Sun.

“After a 15-year fight, gay rights groups say 2010 will be the year they persuade Congress to pass a landmark law protecting workers from being fired or denied jobs or promotions based on their sexual orientation,” the Sun reports.

“After delays last year that frustrated gay rights leaders, the lead sponsors of the bill say they expect a vote in the House in the first three months of the year.”