Representative Derrick Smith Is Not Available To Take Your Call

• John H. White/Sun-Times Media
• If you see Rep Derrick Smith, please ask him to check his voice mail. And his e-mail.

Anybody seen Derrick Smith?

And if that weren’t enough, Smith has to continue to prepare for his May trial in federal court for allegedly taking a $7,000 bribe.

Great! I was sure he’d be happy to hear from reporters too—even if he hasn’t had the chance to return Ben Joravsky’s call from a year and a half ago just yet.

After waiting out the weekend, I thought I’d try his district office one last time. Amazingly, a human being answered. Representative Smith was not around, she said. But she passed on a number for his campaign.