There was a clear difference of opinion between the candidates running for office as the Southern Standard and WCPI held a political forum Thursday night.With early voting starting Wednesday and continuing until Nov. 1, the intensity level was raised with the election soon to hang in the balance.There was a spirited debate between state Rep. Judd Matheny and challenger Scott Price as they fight for the seat Matheny currently holds in the 47th District.Janice Bowling and Jim Lewis disagreed on several key issues, including gay marriage and a state income tax, as they squared off to fight for an open Senate seat in the 16th District.State Rep. Charles Curtiss and U.S. House hopeful Eric Stewart did not have their opponents participate.Stewart took the opportunity of the open stage to blast Congressman Scott DesJarlais for not debating him.“Do not accuse me of not knowing what I’m talking about on the issues when you have such disrespect for the people of this district that you won’t even come here and sit on a stage and talk about the issues that you truly believe in,” said Stewart.The debate between Bowling and Lewis had its moment with both candidates laying out arguments to support their views. Bowling is against a state income tax and against gay marriage and she questioned Lewis about his stance on marriage.“I want everybody to have the constitutional privileges that our constitution allows them to have,” said Lewis. “I want folks to be happy.