Michael Madigan

Ousted State Rep. Heading Back to Springfield

Derrick Smith was expelled from office earlier this year amid federal bribery charges

By BJ Lutz

| Wednesday, Nov 7, 2012 | Updated 2:22 AM CDT

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Ousted State Rep. Heading Back to Springfield

Former state Rep. Derrick Smith will still be on the ballot for November's election.

Derrick Smith, the state representative ousted from office earlier this year amid federal bribery charges, is heading back to office.

As of 2:20 a.m., and with 98 percent of precincts reporting, Smith had captured 63 percent of the vote. His challenger, Lance Tyson, had garnered 37 percent of the vote.

Smith has pleaded not guilty to the charges and last month expressed confidence that voters would send him back to Springfield.

Tyson, the former chief of staff for former County Board President Todd Stroger, was backed by Gov. Pat Quinn, Secretary of State Jesse White and aldermen from eight wards in the district.

Prosecutors allege Smith took a bribe to write what he thought was a letter of support for a day care center's state grant application.

His Illinois House colleagues in August voted 100-6 to expel him. It was the first time the House had expelled a member in more than 100 years. llinois law says he cannot be expelled a second time for the same reason.