Fliers attack 54th District Republican on social issues

Democrat Matt Flamm's recent negative mailers illustrate a message he's been trying to convey for months that what he calls his opponent's “radical agenda” does not reflect the moderate views of the 54th House District.

According to one of Flamm's political advertisements, Republican Tom Morrison believes public schools are “brainwashing” children and cites a Jan. 16 League of Women Voters debate in which the small-business owner said he would oppose a law prohibiting the teaching of creationism. Morrison said that is a decision best left to local school boards.

Flamm's mailer also cites interviews in which Morrison said he supports school vouchers and $500 income-tax credits for private and parochial school parents.

It also claims Morrison taught at “an uncredited, religious school that regularly hosts lectures by the designated hate group, Americans for Truth About Homosexuality, who believe ‘young Americans are brainwashed by the media, the education system.'”

Flamm was referring to Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights, where Morrison taught for six years.

“People in this district are very intelligent, reasonable and moderate,” Flamm aid. “They're thoughtful and not extreme.”

Morrison, also a Palatine resident, said the mailers aren't totally accurate.

They state Morrison opposes both abortion and stem-cell research in all cases. However, he said he would allow abortion when the mother's life is at risk and that he supports research using adult stem cells.

Morrison said the $500 tax credit empowers parents to provide the best education for their children and there's nothing hateful about his belief in traditional marriage.

“(The ads are) turnoffs and cheap shots and people are tired of the name-calling,” Morrison said. “I guess if you have nothing of substance, then you come up with something like these.”

Morrison said that his mailers and campaign in general are focused on fiscal issues such as the budget, employment, pension reform and borrowing.

“Money issues are what's on the hearts and minds of voters this election,” he said.

The 54th District represents portions of Palatine, Hoffman Estates, Inverness and Rolling Meadows.