Mr. Smith wants to go back to Albany — even though he’s under indictment.
Queens state Sen. Malcolm Smith announced Friday that he’s running for re-election this year despite facing federal fraud and bribery charges that could put him behind bars before the primary.
“He’s done a lot for this community. The people here respect him, admire him and support him. There’s absolutely no reason why he should not run for re-election,” said his spokeswoman, AnnMarie Costella.
The FBI busted the Democrat in April for allegedly trying to bribe city Republican leaders to put him on their party’s mayoral ballot.
Smith and his co-defendants are set to appear in federal court on Jan. 31, when a judge will set their trial schedule.