Totals are in: Munson loses in 43rd House District

Ruth Munson, who on Tuesday lost the 43rd State Representative District seat she held since December 2002, said she has no regrets about her campaign and that she was humbled to serve the people of Elgin and the surrounding area.

"I've been so honored to serve my constituents here in the 43rd District. I have learned a great deal," she said. "It's been a great opportunity and we made a great campaign. I'm proud of everyone who worked with me. We did everything we could."

According to final unofficial vote totals available Wednesday morning, Democrat Keith Farnham beat Munson 12,911 to 12,589, a margin of 322 votes.

Green Party candidate Dane Willman also garnered 803 votes.

Munson declined to speculate on whether things might have turned out differently for her if Willman wasn't on the ballot.

"The Green Party candidate had a right to run," she said. "I have no way of knowing how people would have voted without the Green Party candidate there."

Farnham, a Navy veteran who also owns a painting business, credited his victory to walking the district for five months and a strong volunteer base.

He wants to unite the area and work toward landing more state funding or incentives for new businesses that can create more jobs for Elgin and the rest of the district, which also includes Carpentersville, South Elgin and East Dundee.

"I think we've got an opportunity to make some really great strides in Elgin and the 43rd District," Farnham said. "(The election) gives me a great sense of responsibility to a great number of people."

During the campaign, Farnham painted Munson as a lawmaker who was lenient on criminals and voted against benefits for veterans. Munson emphasized how she's helped bring jobs and industry to the area and linked Farnham to an unpopular Gov. Blagojevich.

Elgin Township Democrat Chairman John Hamilton offered his take on why Farnham came out on top. "Ruth basically has talked a lot over the last four years and not delivered much," he said.