What would you ask Sara Palin or Joe Biden?

<p>One question looms above all others for Sonoma County residents as vice presidential candidates Gov. Sarah Palin and Sen. Joe Biden debate tonight.</p><p>"I would ask them what their plan is for our financial future," Kathy Smith, 58, of Sebastopol said. "It's pretty scary right now."</p><p>Journalist Gwen Ifill of PBS will moderate the televised debate on domestic and foreign policy issues in St. Louis, the only encounter of the campaign between Palin and Biden.</p><p>If local residents had their way, Palin could expect inquiries about her comments in recent interviews, including the question, "can you really see Russia from Alaska?" And Biden would be asked to justify his vote in favor of the Iraq war.</p><p>Here's a sampling of what local voters from Sebastopol to Santa Rosa would like to know.</p><p>"Does she really believe being next to Russia somehow gives her foreign policy experience?" outreach worker John Gaval, 23, of Santa Rosa asked.</p><p>Gaval said he would equally grill Biden about his initial support of the Iraq war, a costly decision both in price and toll on human lives.</p><p>"How does he live with himself?" he said. "He should have known what this could lead to."</p><p>Voters said they want the candidates to give specific solutions for rebuilding the economy. And they want to know about immigration reform, past legislative accomplishments and strategies to spur job creation in the United States.</p><p>"I'm waiting to hear what they have to say," home improvement worker Peter Keith, 54, of Santa Rosa said.</p><p>Many said restoring public faith in government and politicians is essential to winning the debate.</p><p>"Make us confident that you would make a good vice president and be able to step into the role of president at any given time," said registered nurse Margaret Bianchini, 64, of Santa Rosa.</p><p>She said the candidates must assure voters about their readiness to move into the White House and show how past experiences have prepared them for national leadership.</p><p>Store owner Jonathon Lipsin of Sebastopol said he wants the future vice president to make an oath to the public.</p><p>"Promise not to lie to us," he said. "We're not that stupid."</p><p>A native of Canada, Lipsin said he has earned his U.S citizenship but that achievement means little these days, and he wants to know what Biden would do to improve foreign relations with other countries.</p><p>"Americans are disliked all over the world," he said.</p><p>Maria Perez, 36, of Cotati, a baker, wants the candidates to say what they would do to improve the immigration process and provide opportunities for families in the United States.</p><p>Paula Oandasan, 63, a retired floral designer from Sebastopol, has voted every year since she could vote, and she's no Palin fan.</p><p>"There are so many things I want to ask that woman," she said.</p><p>What is her IQ and what kind of grades did Palin earn in college are just two questions on her mind.</p><p>"I would ask her that just for grins," she said.</p><p>So, will she watch the debate tonight?</p><p>"Oh God, yes, with popcorn and snacks," she said. "It'll be an entertaining night."</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Tracie Morales at 521-5274 or tracie.morales@pressdemocrat.com</p>