“It is very unfortunate we have to go down this road again,” said Connelly. “Over the past few decades, the people of Illinois have had to endure multiple corruption scandals. While we cannot guarantee a prevention of another, we can take steps to rectify the situation when it presents itself.”
The Select Committee on Discipline is composed of 12 members of the House. Connelly was selected to represent the minority caucus on the committee. Testimony was presented to the committee and after hours of deliberation the committee ruled there was enough evidence to put Rep. Smith at fault and recommended his expulsion.
“In a short time, the legislature will have to be called back to Springfield for the final vote on Rep. Smith,” said Connelly. “Everyone deserves their day in court and I believe the House has taken all the proper steps to guarantee due process in this unfortunate saga.”
A resolution must now be introduced into the House finding Rep. Smith at fault regarding his charges and can only be adopted with a vote of 79 or more members of the House.
