Derrick Smith’s time in the Illinois General Assembly is over, for now…




Smith’s name was immediately removed from the electronic tote boards in the House following the vote.
 
A few members questioned whether this is the right thing to do – to hold Smith’s silence against him, to throw him out before he could be elected or before he could go through the criminal process. But those in favor, including State Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), said “beyond a reasonable doubt” isn’t the standard here. Opponents, including Reps. Monique Davis (D-Chicago) and Mary Flowers (D-Chicago), said perhaps it should be. Lang, though, said Smith has “thumbed his nose at the Constitution.”
 
Smith was not in attendance today. He is present on the election ballot in November. He was appointed to the post to fill a vacancy in 2011, and so had never been elected to the seat.