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Madigan Lends Support To Indicted Lawmaker

ilga.gov

Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is supporting a fellow state representative for re-election - who is also under indictment.

Chicago incumbent Derrick Smith has pleaded not guilty to taking a $7,000 bribe in exchange for supporting a grant.

After his indictment - his fellow House members voted to expel him.

But Smith was re-elected anyway.

Speaker Madigan - who also chairs the state Democratic Party -  has given money to Smith’s campaign, even though Madigan voted to kick him out.

Steve Brown is Madigan’s spokesman. He says the Democratic Party supports its incumbents.

"In a country where you’re innocent until proven guilty, it’s something the voters will consider when they go to the polls," Brown said.

Smith faces Eddie Winters and Pamela Reaves-Harris in next week’s primary.

Both are supported by some aldermen.

Antwon Hampton and Beverly Perteet are also running.