Trial date set for newly elected 10th Illinois Rep Derrick Smith

Smith giving his acceptance speech*

Derrick Smith's trial date was tentatively set for Oct. 21, 2013 by a federal judge on Nov. 14. Smith is the Illinois 10th District State Representative-elect. The seat is the one from which he was ousted on Aug. 17, in a 100 to 6 vote.

Appointed to the 10th Illinois District Representative seat in March 2011, Derrick Smith was indicted on bribery charges. Within days, he was elected as the Democratic candidate for the State House. It is alleged that Smith accepted a $7,000 bribe from and undercover officer in exchange for writing a letter of support for a day care owner requesting a state grant.

As he continues to claim innocence, Smith, in his acceptance speech, thanked his supporters and indicated that he would be working for the people who elected him.  He claims to be a "new man." See his speech.

Though there have been discussions about throwing him out of the State House once he is reseated, he cannot be expelled a second time for the same reason that he was expelled before. He will have more than 9 months in office before his federal trial is to convene.

*Photo from NBC Chicago