An Illinois House panel has recommended that indicted state Rep. Derrick Smith be expelled from the Legislature over bribery allegations. The Select Committee on Discipline voted 11-1 in favor of that penalty on Thursday after hearing evidence against Smith. All voted to find Smith at fault. The Chicago Democrat is accused of taking a bribe. He's denied wrongdoing, has refused to step aside and is running for re-election in November. Ultimately, the full House will have to vote on whether to take action against Smith. Federal prosecutors say Smith took a $7,000 bribe in exchange for promising to steer a state grant to a daycare center. He denies the allegation. Whatever legislators decide will have no effect on the criminal charges against Smith.
Support Your Public Radio Station
