Story posted Thursday, January 28, 2010
Heated Home Stretch
Candidates Trade Jabs With Election Days Away
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
Republican candidates running the 54th District State House primary are getting their final shots in before Tuesday's election.
Incumbent Republican State Rep. Suzie Bassi claims her opponent, Tom Morrison, wants to eliminate the Illinois Dept. of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), a provider of state grants primarily responsible for attracting new business development in Illinois and promoting business already here.
"Given the fact that business is the driving force of our economy, I think we need to do all that is possible to create a healthy business climate, which in turn spells jobs and a strong state economy," said Bassi.
Morrison, a Palatine resident and business owner, claims Bassi campaigns as a strong voice for Republican values, but her actions don't follow through.
"If she was telling the truth, I wouldn't be running," said Morrison. "We need legislators ready to impose fiscal discipline on Illinois state government. Suzie rarely speaks on the house floor, and goes along with her party leaders."
Morrison also claims Bassi missed 242 votes during her last term.
"She said she opposes senior free rides, but she never was there to vote on the original legislation that enacted it in the first place," said Morrison.
He also said Bassi continues to vote for spending projects the state can't afford. Morrison said Bassi voted to commit $250 million for the 2016 Olympics, and opposed pension reform to limit new public pension benefits and "end-of-career" salary hikes.
"He's lying about my voting record," said Bassi. "His campaign strategy is based on distorting the number of times I've voted 'present.' He has recycled a campaign strategy that was unsuccessfully used against me six years ago---it was proven false then and it's false now."
Bassi believes her experience should ensure victory by the end of Tuesday night.
"I am a leader in Springfield who understands the legislative process and who works well with other legislators to formulate good public policy, which often means fighting the Democratic leadership," said Bassi.
Morrison said if he should win the primary, he will focus much of his attention between now and November's general election on how to tackle the state budget, hold the line on taxes, and cut wasteful spending, specifically "unaffordable Democrat programs."
Bassi said she intends to continue walking the district and meeting voters if she should win the primary.
The 54th District includes portions of Palatine, Barrington, Inverness, Deer Park, Hoffman Estates, and Rolling Meadows.
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