Facing a federal corruption trial and what could be a serious challenge in next month’s Democratic primary, state Rep. Derrick Smith still can count on one big supporter who rarely backs a loser.
Michael Madigan.
The Illinois House speaker and state Democratic Party chairman from the Southwest Side is helping the West Side legislator in his primary fight against Chicago Police Sgt. Eddie Winters.
“We support incumbents,” Madigan’s longtime spokesman Steve Brown said when asked about the speaker’s endorsement of Smith. “He’s an incumbent.”
The indictment isn’t a factor?
“I believe — let me go back and check — oh, yeah, that’s right, I believe you are presumed innocent until proven guilty,” Brown said. “Isn’t that right?”
Uh, yeah, that’s right.
“Great,” Brown said. “Is that all?”
Being accused of bribery doesn't bother Illinois Democrats. What's interesting is Mike Madigan is a lawyer. No word yet from the ARCD whether they think lawyer Mike Madigan should be supporting politicians who get caught on a wire taking bribe money from the FBI.
