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FAYETTEVILLE -- The contrast couldn't be sharper in the race for east Washington County's District 89 race on at least one issue.

Incumbent Democrat Rep. Jim House considers his co-sponsorship of a bill to ratify the federal Equal Rights Amendment to be one of his proudest legislative accomplishments, he said Monday. His opponent, businessman Gene Long, opposes the measure. The two appeared together Monday in a forum hosted by the Washington County Chapter of the League of Women Voters and the City of Fayetteville Government Channel. The debate began at 2 p.m. in Fayetteville City Hall.

"I worked with many fine women in the state Health Department and many of those weren't able to get the same pay for the same work as men," House said. He supported putting the Equal Rights Amendment on the ballot to let Arkansas voters decide. Long said he supports equal pay for equal work but said existing laws should be enforced and that the amendment has ramifications that could allow same-sex marriage. House disputed that there would be any effect on marriage laws.

The federal Equal Rights Amendment never gained the required approval from at least three-quarters of the state legislatures required. There is some legal question about whether states can still ratify the measure, but supporters say there is no deadline. The issue came up in the 2007 regular legislative session and is expected to arise again in 2009.

On other issue, Long maintained that the tax burden on Arkansans is excessive and pointed out that the state is running a surplus in revenues despite a nationwide economic slowdown. House replied that those surpluses will soon run out and, if not, be eliminated by further reductions in state sales taxes on food.

Each candidate attacked the other's voting record -- one as a citizen and the other on his votes on legislation. House said Long hasn't voted in a school board election since 1996, and said that shows a "difference in public mindedness" between the two. Long replied that House have not voted enough to reduce state spending.