Morrison cruises to another term in Illinois House

Incumbent Rep. Tom Morrison won a third term in the state legislature Tuesday night, cruising to victory over Democratic newcomer Laddi Singh in the race for the Illinois House 54th District seat, according to unofficial results.

With all 77 precincts reporting, the Palatine Republican had 20,335 votes, 66.1 percent of the total, to Singh's 10,419.

"I am really grateful that the people of this district approve of what I stand for," said Morrison, who first captured the seat in 2010. "Ever since I first got elected I've tried to be a true representative of the wishes of the voters in the 54th District."

Singh thanked her supporters and campaign workers for all of their encouragement over the last year.

"This has been a very good experience being the first Asian-American woman to run for the statehouse," said Singh, adding that she plans vie for political office again.

"I strongly believe that I did open doors to many, many women who thought politics was not for them," she said.

Morrison and Singh differed on several financial issues, such as whether the state should extend the temporary income tax increase passed in January 2011.

Morrison, who was not sworn in until after the tax hike was approved, said it was supposed to exist only long enough to get the state through the recession.

Singh said she would support extending the tax, but only if the state isn't able to find new sources of revenue. Without an extension or new revenue streams, the state would be unable to provide essential services, she said.

The candidates also differed on the minimum wage, with Singh saying she would support increasing it from $8.25 an hour to $10 an hour.

The 54th House District includes portions of Arlington Heights, Barrington, Hoffman Estates, Palatine and Rolling Meadows.