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Former Rep. Derrick Smith To Be Sentenced For Bribery

CHICAGO (AP) -- Another Illinois politician will learn if he's going to prison, in this case, for pocketing a $7,000 bribe.

Lawyers for former state Rep. Derrick Smith want a federal judge Thursday to spare him prison time. Prosecutors want the 51-year-old Chicago Democrat imprisoned for around five years.

Smith's 2012 indictment led to his expulsion from the House. He won his seat back in a general election before his 2014 conviction triggered his expulsion again.

Smith's attorneys mention Democrat Rod Blagojevich and Republican George Ryan in a pre-sentencing filing. The ex-governors are on the long list of Illinois pols convicted of corruption. The filing says Smith's alleged crimes pale in comparison.

Prosecutors say Smith accepted 70 $100 bills for supporting a state grant for a day care center in a federal sting.

(TM and © Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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