In 1954, he graduated from Washington State University in Pullman with a Bachelor of Science degree, where he was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.

After his election to the 97th United States Congress in 1980, Morrison became a member of the House Energy and Agriculture Committees.

In 1992 Morrison was a candidate for governor, but he was defeated in the primary by Attorney General Ken Eikenberry.

Eikenberry was subsequently defeated in the general election by Seattle Congressman Mike Lowry.

In early 1993, Morrison was appointed by Governor Mike Lowry to serve as the Secretary of the Washington State Department of Transportation.