Ohio's Issue 2 -- which has evoked passionate response from voters on both sides -- will be the topic of a debate in Columbus on Tuesday evening.

"This is perhaps the most contentious legislative piece (that's) come in a long time," said NEWS9 political analyst Michael McTeague.

Issue 2 is a referendum on Senate Bill 5, a controversial new law that made changes to a variety of government laws and policies. The bill was signed into law by Gov. John Kasich earlier this year.

"The language is straightforward. A 'yes' passes it, a 'no' defeats it," McTeague said.
 
Those in favor of the bill, including the governor, said the law is necessary. Supporters say it will protect good teachers, restore balance and get spending under control.

McTeague said, "If you're looking at it 'for,' you would like to see a balanced budget and you don't want to see a greater tax increase and you think you ought to work more on the meritorious side."

Those against the bill, including police unions, said the law is an unfair burden on the middle class. Opponents say the bill is unsafe, unfair, hurts everyone and forces public employees who have already sacrificed to sacrifice more.

"If you're opposed, you're probably thinking you've already negotiated in good faith (and) you'd like to see that contract continued," McTeague said.

McTeague said it's an issue that will continue to hang over the state for years, no matter what voters decide in November.

"Regardless, one side or the other will still go back (to) make a challenge," he said.

He said the issues in Tuesday's debate will not be easily resolved and the vote on Issue 2 is a question of responsibility.

"We're probably going to have to suffer through at least a 10-year period where there will be staff reductionism, regardless of circumstance. There will have to be tax increase, regardless of circumstance. It's a question of who is going to be charged with perhaps the greater share of the responsibility," McTeague said.

The debate will be broadcast live starting at 7 p.m. on WTOV9 and WTOV9.com. and will be moderated by NBC's Chuck Todd.

Debating Issue 2 will be Republican State Sen. Keith Faber of Building a Better Ohio, who will be defending Issue 2, and former Ohio U.S. Rep. Dennis Eckart, a Democrat with We Are Ohio, a group that opposes Issue 2.

Stay with NEWS9, WTOV9.com and WTOV9 Mobile for continuing coverage.