Lawmakers dont want Smith to stay in Springfield

March 21, 2012

By Stephanie Fryer | Illinois Statehouse News SPRINGFIELD Democratic and Republican lawmakers want state Rep. Derrick Smith, D-Chicago, to resign. Hours after Smiths colossal primary election win Tuesday he brought in 77 percent of the votes his biggest political backer, Secretary of State Jesse White called for Smiths resignation. The allegations in the charge against him convey unacceptable conduct, making it extremely difficult to represent the citizens of the district, White said in a written statement Wednesday, when lawmakers returned to work after a week off to campaign before the primary. Smith was absent from the state Capitol. Smith is accused of accepting a $7,000 bribe to steer a state grant of $50,000 to a daycare. Smith was a former employee of Whites office and received an endorsement from White last year when the House Legislative Committee appointed Smith to the House seat vacated by former state Rep. Annazette Collins D-Chicago, who moved to the state Senate. Gov. Pat Quinn also called for Smith to step down. The governor thinks Rep. Smith should step down as soon as possible. He cannot be an effective representative for his constituents given his circumstances and the cloud hanging over his head, Brook Anderson, a spokeswoman for

Quinn, said. Smith has remained quiet concerning his charges and what his plan of action will be. Multiple calls to Smiths office were not returned. Now a group of lawmakers have initiated an Illinois House investigation into Smiths charges. Its tremendously disappointing. For all of us to put the state through another corruption trial is maddening, state Rep. Ed Sullivan, R-Mundelein, said on why he supports an internal investigation. Lawmakers calling for the investigation include: State Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth; State Rep. Tim Schmitz, R-Batavia; State Rep. Dave Winters, R-Shirland; State Rep. Jim Sacia, R-Freeport; Ed Sullivan, R-Mundelein. This isnt a Republican or Democratic issue. Its more so about the integrity of the House of Representatives, Mitchell said. Under the rules of the Illinois House, a petition calling for an investigation committee must be filed with the speaker of the House to initiate the disciplinary proceedings. The five Republicans who called for the investigation signed such a petition. At least one House member must sign the petition. The charges behind the petition must be serious, such as bribery or coercion, in order for the House to take action. If the charges were proven true, the House could seek expulsion.

If three or more House members sign the petition, the speaker must appoint three members of the majority party, and the minority leader must appoint three as well. Committee members were appointed late Wednesday afternoon. House Minority Leader Tom Cross R-Oswego, appointed state Reps Jil Tracy, RMount Sterling; JoAnn Osmond, R-Antioch; and Dennis Reboletti, RElmhurst. Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, appointed state Reps. Elaine Nekritz, D-Northbrook; William Davis, D-Homewood; and Andre Thapedi, D-Chicago. The group will hold its first meeting Tuesday.