House District 54: Morrison

In the race for state representative from the 54th District, incumbent Republican Tom Morrison faces a sincere challenger in Democrat Richard Rudd. Rudd's passions stir most eloquently when he turns his attentions to social issues like gay marriage or abortion. But on the most urgent matters facing the state in the coming legislative terms, Morrison demonstrates a clear advantage through his command of the facts and the detailed approaches to public pensions, the income tax increase and the state budget. Indeed, on these issues the candidates, both from Palatine, differ very little except for Morrison's deeper level of experience and knowledge. Morrison's stance on some key social issues is more conservative than we might prefer, but his natural openness to friendly debate is refreshing and appealing. He'll be a stalwart voice for reason in controlling state spending and solving the pension crisis, yet he's also clearly someone who can engage effectively with fellow lawmakers, even those who disagree with him. That's a potent combination, and we endorse him for a second term serving a district that encompasses Rolling Meadows, Palatine, Inverness and neighboring areas.