Derrick Smith: I'm a New Man

" Derrick Smith, the state representative ousted from office earlier this year amid federal bribery charges, made his first public comments Thursday after his Tuesday re-election.

Smith wouldn't address the charges directly, but thanked the 10th District voters for their support.

"I know there are a lot of people in the media and elsewhere who are saying I only received votes because I am a Democrat. I think that information is misinformed and insulting to the people of the district that voted for me," Smith said.

Smith said voters supported him because of the resources he has brought back to the district. He criticized Gov. Pat Quinn and Secretary of State Jesse White for campaigning against him and giving money to his opponent Lance Tyson "

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