Lawmaker won’t answer questions on bribery charges

SPRINGFIELD — An Illinois House committee reviewing the federal bribery charge against a lawmaker must decide whether to proceed with possible expulsion after Rep. Derrick Smith refused to testify.

The Chicago Democrat declared his innocence Thursday before the special investigative committee. But neither he nor attorney Victor Henderson would answer the committee’s questions.

Henderson urged the committee not to proceed with possible discipline until U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald reveals more about his case. He noted that Fitzgerald’s investigators now acknowledge the confidential source who is said to have arranged for the bribe payment has a much more extensive criminal record than previously reported.

Committee members say they can take action despite alleged holes in the government’s case. But they will meet again to decide what to do next.