State Representative-elect Derrick Smith heads to trial next year on federal bribery charges.
A tentative trial date was set for Oct. 21, 2013.
After being ousted from the House earlier this year, Smith regained his seat in the 10th with a sweeping 63 percent of the vote amid allegations he accepted a $7,000 bribe.
A day after the election, Smith told supporters he's a new man.
"I know there are a lot of people in the media and elsewhere who are saying I only received votes because I am a Democrat," Smith said. "I think that information is misinformed and insulting to the people of the district that voted for me."
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.
Smith has pleaded not guilty to the charges and said he intends to fight until the battle is over.
"I stand before you as a new man. I'm excited again about representing the people of the 10th district, and I intend to work hard and work hand-in-hand with those who voted against me and those who worked against me, because that is the best thing to do for the individual constituents of the district," Smith said.
