Moylan-Thillens 55th House district race key to state balance of power

One of this election season's more hotly contested suburban races lies in what some consider a politically "purple" district.

The race for state House's 55th District seat pits incumbent Democratic state Rep. Marty Moylan against Republican challenger Mel Thillens, a businessman and Park Ridge park board president.

Both campaigns are being infused with cash from state party leaders and special interests, helping to pay for TV ads and mailers that trade accusations.

With 71 of 118 members, Democrats now have a three-fifths constitutional majority in the House - an important measuring stick because it's required to pass legislation during some sessions and overturn a governor's veto. Republicans, only one seat away from removing the Democratic veto-proof "super majority," have targeted Moylan's seat as one they hope to pick up.

The 55th District encompasses parts of Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Park Ridge, Rosemont, Mount Prospect, Arlington Heights and Rolling Meadows.

Moylan, the former mayor of Des Plaines, was elected to the seat two years ago, besting Park Ridge Republican Susan Sweeney. Rosemary Mulligan, the 20-year incumbent Republican at the time, missed a deadline to get her name onto the ballot, and didn't get enough votes as a write-in candidate in the GOP primary against Sweeney.

Now, Republicans have put their support behind Thillens, 42, vice president of the Chicago armored truck company that bears his family name and Park Ridge Park District commissioner since 2011. He says he's running because he's frustrated with Illinois' economic position that's led businesses and residents to move elsewhere.

"It is one of the biggest races in the state. There's a lot of attention," Thillens said. "Unfortunately most of the districts are drawn so that the party that wins is a foregone conclusion. There's maybe a handful of representative districts that are contestable, and we're in one of them. It's an important one.

"The problem is Marty Moylan has all of Mike Madigan's money and support behind him," Thillens added. "Mike Madigan does not want to lose this seat."

Moylan, 63, a former union electrician who was Des Plaines mayor for 3½ years, paints himself as an fiscally conservative Democrat who opposes extending the state income tax increase, and voluntarily turned down $3,100 - donating it to charity - when legislators decided not to take furlough days this year.

"(Thillens is) trying to make this about someone else. This is about me and him. My record versus his record. My views versus his views," Moylan said. "This is a competitive district and that's the way I like it."