As if one indicted Illinois politician making bizarre public speeches and refusing to leave office wasn't enough.

The political saga of state Rep. Derrick Smith has echoed, in miniature, the corruption case of Rod Blagojevich. That's from a federal wiretap to impassioned speeches on serving the people to big time embarrassment for Illinois Democrats.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White calls it a "another black eye" for Democrats. He was Smith's mentor but is now leading the charge to find a replacement.

Experts say Democrats have had little choice in forcing Smith out of office because he won't step down. Democratic leaders are supporting a third-party candidate to back in November.

Smith was charged with bribery a few days before the Illinois primary in March. He's pleaded not guilty.