PHELPS DECLARED WINNER FOR 7TH TERM AS STATE REPRESENTATIVE IN S. ILLINOIS

HARRISBURG, Ill. -- David Phelps, who has been involved in Illinois state politics more than a dozen years, was declared a winner in 118th District representative's race late Tuesday night.

With more than 60 percent of the vote in, Phelps led newcomer Republican Jack Hill of Vienna by almost 4,000 votes -- 16,884 to 12,959.

Phelps will return to the state capital for his seventh term. Prior to 1985, he served as county clerk and recorder from 1980-1985.

Phelps' district consists of 10 counties, including the lower three counties of the state: Alexander, Pulaski and Massac. Phelps carried Alexander and Massac counties Tuesday but lost in Pulaski County by 17 votes.

"I expected that," said Phelps from his campaign headquarters at Harrisburg, "but I'm excited about the overall vote. And I'm excited about what's happening in our area."

Phelps of Eldorado is an area native. He graduated from Eldorado High School, Southeastern Illinois Community College and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He was teacher from 1969 to 1973. Phelps and his brother operated a music company at Eldorado for a number of years.

Hill served as president of Shawnee College since 1991 until his recent retirement.