Background
Smith was born in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - a community composed of blue collar families, mostly of Irish, Polish and Russian heritage.
Smith was born in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - a community composed of blue collar families, mostly of Irish, Polish and Russian heritage.
They had one daughter, Regina. After leaving the military, Smith became active in local politics, serving first as Ward Chair for James A. Byrne between 1965 and 1970. He became Byrne"s Administrative Assistant during that time.
He then served in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1971 until 1981, and eventually became Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations.
He promised during his campaign that he would caucus with the Democrats if elected. After redistricting in 1982, Smith narrowly lost the Democratic primary against fellow congressman Tom Foglietta.
He went on to become Democratic City Chairman in Philadelphia between 1983 and 1986. Smith also served as the 31st Ward Leader for more than three decades.