Arrested Lawmaker Wins Dem Nomination
A Chicago Democrat has won his party's nomination for the Illinois House despite his arrest on a federal bribery charge.
Rep. Derrick Smith was appointed to his seat last spring after his predecessor moved up to the Senate.
Federal prosecutors allege Smith accepted a $7,000 bribe ten days ago in exchange for what he thought was his endorsement of a state grant for a daycare operation. Authorities claim it was part of an undercover sting.
Smith won 77 percent of the vote over Tom Swiss. Swiss is a former Republican activist who says he has independent views.
Smith received more than $60,000 for his campaign from Illinois Democratic Party Chairman Michael Madigan.