Derrick Smith: Wiling to work with representative who expelled him
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CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Newly re-elected state representative Derrick Smith made his victory remarks in Chicago Thursday morning.
The Chicago Democrat reclaimed his office despite having been expelled from the Illinois House over bribery allegations. He said he's determined to work closely again with his legislative colleagues.
Derrick Smith says he intends to work "hand in hand" with the lawmakers who voted him out of the House in August, as well as with Democratic Party leaders who turned against him after he was charged in a federal case.
He's pleaded not guilty to accepting a $7,000 bribe in exchange for political support in favor of a grant application for a daycare center.
His attorneys also planed to discuss the status of the federal case against him at the press conference.
Smith refused to take his name off the ballot for Tuesday's elections. He won Tuesday's election against Lance Tyson with more than 62 percent of the vote.
He told reporters Thursday that he's going to "let bygones be bygones" so he can focus on the needs of his constituents.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
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