Illinois House expels Democrat indicted for bribery (the first expulsion since 1905)

Reuters on Yahoo ^ | 8/17/12 | James B. Kelleher

[NormsRevenge]

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (Reuters) - The Illinois House of Representatives on Friday expelled a Democratic lawmaker indicted for bribery, the first member to be booted from the chamber since 1905.

State House Representative Derrick Smith, who represents a staunchly Democratic district in Chicago, was arrested in March and charged with accepting a $7,000 bribe in exchange for endorsing a daycare center's state grant application.

He has denied the charges.

Days after his arrest and indictment, Smith won the Democratic Party primary to contest the November 6 election, in part because some Democrats hoped he would resign and be replaced on the ballot.

But Smith refused to bow out, and on Friday the full Illinois House voted 100 to 6 to expel him.

"I'm sad that my colleagues did not wait to hear all the evidence before voting against me," a choked-up Smith said at a news conference at his Chicago lawyer's office.

"I intend to remain on the ballot and intend to run for office in November," he added.

Smith's lawyers said the move to oust him was a pre-arranged political power grab of his seat by the House leadership.

[NormsRevenge]

The party will identify and run another candidate in November. Place yur bets!

[NormsRevenge]

Buh Bye!

If Obama had a son.. uhhh..

A vote is set for Friday on whether to expel Illinois State Rep. Derrick Smith (D-Chicago) from the state House. CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports.

Bio

[madprof98]

Is there perhaps an extra Czar position at the federal level just waiting to be filled?

[NormsRevenge]

Minnows like Rep. Derrick Smith get caught, but big fish go free

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-met-kass-0817-20120817,0,2575374.column

— Tell that to Blago and Ryan

[Steely Tom]

He won’t be having any trouble with the IRS because I’m sure he declared the bribe money on his tax forms.

[chaos_5]

on Friday the full Illinois House voted 100 to 6 to expel him.

Six fresh leads to investigate!! LOL

[hadaclueonce]

I wonder who he made mad.

They all take bribes.

[NormsRevenge]

I don’t know.. can a Mason be a Czar? His bio has him down as a member of a Lodge. This is Chicago after all. lol

[Billthedrill]

Most politicians will tell you it’s unethical to get caught taking bribes.

[NormsRevenge]

Just par for the course in CHicago.. nothing to see here folks..

—

March 2, 2012

Illinois State Representative Derrick Smith (10th) has received a surge of endorsements!

http://govstrategicsolutions.net/WP/illinois-state-representative-derrick-smith-10th-has-received-a-surge-of-endorsements/

Illinois State Representative Derrick Smith (10th) has received a surge of endorsements, including most recently the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Skyline Newspapers in addition to Planned Parenthood Illinois Action.

Says Smith “I am very honored to have the endorsements from the Tribune, Skyline and Planned Parenthood of Illinois . My entire campaign has been about understanding the issues and concerns of the residents, working families, businesses and community organizations within the 10th District. The endorsements from these organizations clearly reflect my vision for the 10th District.”

[Repeal 16-17]

"I intend to remain on the ballot and intend to run for office in November," he added.

If he can remain on the ballot, does that mean he could be reelected and then expelled again?

[NormsRevenge]

a little background info here.. July 19, 2012
Chicago Sun-Times

Panel: Indicted Rep. Derrick Smith should be expelled from House
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/13869426-418/indicted-rep-smith-faces-legislative-hearing-on-possible-discipline.html

[NormsRevenge]

from the Sun-Times piece..

The last time a House member was expelled was in 1905, when the chamber voted 121-13 to oust Rep. Frank D. Comerford (D-Chicago) for actions that “besmirched the good name and reputation of this General Assembly.”

His sin: giving a speech to students and faculty of the Illinois College of Law in Chicago in January 1905 in which he claimed there was wholesale corruption in both chambers of the Legislature.

But Comerford’s expulsion was short-lived. He was re-elected a few months later to fill the vacancy caused by his ouster.

[aruanan]

If he can remain on the ballot, does that mean he could be reelected and then expelled again?

No, according to the rules, he cannot get expelled for the same thing, unless, of course, he gets indicted again on another charge of bribery.

[haircutter]

First the WH and the thin skinned occupant are running scared and now the City of Chicago, State of Ill.. damn it was a good week... YA'LL have a wonderful week end enjoy as Summer winds down..welcome color and Fall...the touch of the Master's Hand♥

[Oldpuppymax]

So what happened? Did he refuse to cut in the rest of the Dem senators?

[SunkenCiv]

Effin’ Teaparty racism! /s

Thanks NormsRevenge.

[Jean2]

In Illinois!? I thought such behavior was SOP in that state.

[Secret Agent Man]

So the corrupt expel one of the most corrupt. To appear honest.

Really, think Illinois only has one corrupt’democrat that needs expulsion!?!

[CitizenM]

Smith's lawyers said the move to oust him was a pre-arranged political power grab

That's always the ways with Libs. They believe the punishment is worse than their crime. Next we will hear the infamous..."it was all a mistake - I made a mistake" that childish whine for getting caught with hands in the cookie jar.