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* These things usually get pushed back even more, so I wouldn’t bet on this happening so, um, soon…
Newly elected state Rep. Derrick Smith could serve nearly a year in office before he has to face trial on federal bribery charges.
A federal judge today set the trial for next Oct. 21, according to Smith’s attorney. […]
The trial was set for 11 months from now by U.S. District Judge Sharon Johnson Coleman because of her schedule.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 1:43 pm
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Westside residents can look forward to 11 months of effective representation…
Comment by Cincinnatus Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 1:47 pm
Keeping your schedule moving as a federal district judge is hard. Not everybody can do it well.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 1:48 pm
What is the over/under on the date of his first fundraiser?
Comment by Madame Defarge Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 2:12 pm
That has to be close to the 2014 petition filing deadline, right? Hoo boy
Comment by Joe Bidenopoulous Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 2:16 pm
Justice delayed (for him) is justice denied (for us).
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 2:19 pm
Republicans complaining about this should remember that they’ve cut funding for the judiciary.
The Northern District could use a few more judges.
Comment by Skeeter Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 2:25 pm
They will better represented than the people in US2,thats in limbo because of JJJ.
Comment by mokenavince Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 2:28 pm
Rich, a great QOTD should be what should be on Rep. Smith’s legislative agenda. I suggest:
* Amendments to the wire-tap / recording without consent laws.
* New “triple jeopardy” constitutional amendment
Comment by siriusly Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 2:37 pm
If he is acquitted, does he get to keep the $7,000 ?
Comment by siriusly Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 2:40 pm
Don’t count on this happening if his attorney is running for JJJ’s seat!
Comment by Lobo y Olla Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 2:55 pm
–Westside residents can look forward to 11 months of effective representation…–
They voted for him.
I can think of, maybe, a couple of hundred or so national and state legislators who are at guilty of crimes against knowledge and reason.
But their constituents vote them in, so it’s none of my business.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 3:03 pm
Justice delayed is justice denied.
Are the facts at issue in this case?
By the way, is this district short judges because Republicans were blocking Obama appointments?
Comment by Carl Nyberg Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 4:02 pm
That is unbelieveable that the Derrick Smith case wouldn’t be pushed up ahead of many of the other cases.
Comment by Hard To Believe Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 4:10 pm
Sounds about right for our court system. I have been retired for about three years and still have stuff going thru the courts from my time at work. Of course the IDOL has also yet to take action on some of the same. Lawyers know the longer you can push things back the more folks forget about them or get tired of messing with them. The eventual punishment if any is minimal.
Comment by Bemused Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 4:13 pm
So.
Howz about finding a judge with lesser of a schedule?
Maybe no possible?
Comment by sal-says Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 4:22 pm
==Republicans complaining about this should remember that they’ve cut funding for the judiciary.==
Yeah, I am blaming Republicans for this one too.
Comment by Sideliner Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 4:28 pm
For those wondering — most judges make criminal cases a priority for their schedules. If this was a civil case it would probably be a year later.
Comment by Skeeter Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 4:28 pm
Having this hanging over your head for so long isn’t a good thing for your mental health.
It isn’t like his vote is sorely needed so he has little leverage and likely can’t do much to serve his constituents effectively. Might be tough without barter power?
Comment by Sunshine Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 4:31 pm
Plenty of time for him to develop a solid bipartisan GA coalition that will outline the best solution to the state’s financial problems. A small honorarium will move it along much quicker.
Comment by zatoichi Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 4:40 pm
I would think it would be toxic to associate with Smith on any bill, but you can count on some members of the Black Caucus to close ranks around the guy, no matter what. I think that’s a mistake and it hurts their overall credibility over time when Smith gets convicted. Jus as when unions vigorously defend obvious bad apples, or police departments stonewall about cops who are caught dead-to-rights in committing a crime.
Comment by Newsclown Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 4:44 pm
“Ooohh… can you make it either the 20th or 22nd, I have to breathe and blink on the 21st and I don’t know how long that is going to take.”
Look, Rep.-Elect Smith, Ask for the “Eddie V. Special”, and be done with this …this is snark.
If I were MJM, and with the overflow of HDems … do not be surprised if Madigan DOES seat Smith, across the aisle,
“Look. We have limited seating here, Tom. He has to go there.”
Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 5:09 pm
===I think that’s a mistake and it hurts their overall credibility===
I don’t disagree, but in a veto proof majority, the Black Caucus is now a major force to be reckoned with. The BC can play the Speaker against the Governor on a host of issues and having Smith’s vote is one more to the good.
Not that anything good will come of it, but this is about politics and votes are votes. It fascinates me and turns my stomach at the same time.
Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 5:11 pm
Willie
There will be at least four Dems seated on the GOP side.
Comment by reformer Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 10:23 pm
when is the Beavers trial?
Comment by amalia Wednesday, Nov 14, 12 @ 11:42 pm
Why is the Black Caucus a major force in a veto proof majority? How would they be less powerful if it was a simple majority?
Comment by Lobo Y Olla Thursday, Nov 15, 12 @ 9:53 am
=Republicans complaining about this should remember that they’ve cut funding for the judiciary.
The Northern District could use a few more judges=
Yes, let’s blame the Republicans for democrats electing a corrupt politician, again.
Comment by Downstater Thursday, Nov 15, 12 @ 9:55 am
Amen Downstater
Comment by Dan Shields, Springfield Thursday, Nov 15, 12 @ 10:46 am
OK. Let’s send someone else undercover to offer him something for nothing. Even money he’ll bite.
Comment by walkinfool Thursday, Nov 15, 12 @ 10:52 am