A legislative panel says there's enough evidence for the Illinois House to punish state Representative Derrick Smith, who is accused of accepting a $7,000 bribe.
The committee’s recommendation is just the first step in a lengthy process that could lead to Smith eventually being expelled from the House.
Another committee will now be convened to review the evidence and recommend the actual punishment, but the final decision is up to the full House.
Smith's attorney criticized the panel for acting before viewing all the evidence compiled by federal prosecutors.
