118TH DISTRICT: PHELPS WINNER IN ILLINOIS

ELDORADO, Ill. -- David Phelps, who has been involved in Illinois politics more than a dozen years, was re-elected as 118th House District representative Tuesday, defeating Republican newcomer Jon Musgraves of Marion.

Phelps, of Eldorado, won over his opponent by an almost 2-to-1 margin to return to the state capital for a fifth term. Prior to 1985, he served as county clerk and recorder from 1980-1985.

Musgraves, publisher of a bi-monthly tourism guide in Southern Illinois, fell behind as early ballots were counted and could never recoup.

Phelps' district consists of 10 counties, including the lower three counties of the state Alexander, Pulaski, and Massac.

"I have not been officially declared the winner," said Phelps at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday. "But we have only a few precincts to go and we have a comfortable lead.

"I'm excited about what's happening in our area," said Phelps, adding he believes several of his pet projects are about to pay off.

Among the projects is the development of a four-lane highway between Marion and Harrisburg, funds for state park improvements, and a tax incentive enterprise zone to attract industry and jobs to Southern Illinois.

Phelps, chairman of the Illinois House committee on Health Care, is a supporter of the new Rural Health Care programs that attract new doctors and medical centers to medically under-served areas.