House Republican predicts new effort to expel Rep. Derrick Smith

The Illinois Constitution would seemingly give indicted former state Rep. Derrick Smith protection from being expelled from the Illinois House a second time.

But one of the five House Republicans who started the expulsion ball rolling against Smith said he thinks that the West Side lawmaker, who has defeated third-party rival Lance Tyson, will face another move to oust him.

“I cannot help but believe that we will absolutely make every effort possible legally to expel him a second time. This is just a sham,” said state Rep. Jim Sacia (R-Pecatonica). “This just taints Illinois politics in the exact color the nation holds us in. And it’s shameful, just absolutely shameful. We should be so far above this.”

The state Constitution bars lawmakers from being expelled from either legislative chamber a second time for the “same offense.”

Smith was indicted last spring after allegedly accepting a $7,000 cash bribe from an undercover FBI informant. He is awaiting trial.

With 78 percent of precincts reporting as of 9:25 p.m. Tuesday, Smith led Tyson by a 62-38 percent margin.

State Republican Party chairman Pat Brady called Smith’s election Tuesday a “national disgrace.”