February 23, 2010 2:45 PM

James Traficant: Former Rep., Convicted Felon Plans to Run Again as Independent

By
Stephanie Condon
Topics
Congress
(AP)
The infamous former Democratic Rep. James Traficant is launching a new bid to return to Congress and unseat one of Ohio's current Democratic House members.

Traficant, who recently finished serving seven years in prison on bribery and racketeering charges, will run as an independent, he said on CNN today.

"I have been a Democrat all my life, and quite frankly I am disgusted with both parties," he said. "I hate to say this. My father is rolling over in his grave, a truck driver."

Traficant's spokesman told the Associated Press that Traficant may target either Ohio's 6th congressional district, currently represented by Democrat Charlie Wilson, or the 17th district, which Traficant formerly represented and is now represented by Democrat Tim Ryan.

"I see the Democrats are completely controlled by foreign interests and big lobbying money," he said on CNN. "The Republicans are too, but the Democrats more so."

Traficant was released from prison in Sept. 2009 and currently works as a talk radio host for Ohio station WTAM. After his 2002 conviction, he was expelled from Congress, making him the second House member since the Civil War to be removed from office for unethical conduct.

Traficant still has strong support in the Youngstown, Ohio area, the Washington Post reported after his release from prison. A thousand people reportedly planned a "welcome home" dinner for him while hundreds bought "Welcome Home Jimbo" t-shirts. The former congressman was known for his wacky hair style and colorful speeches, which often included "Star Trek" references.

Add a Comment See all 13 Comments
by rightbehind February 24, 2010 9:20 AM EST
OK but the mop has to go.
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by formrusmcsgt February 24, 2010 7:59 AM EST
Traficant still has strong support in the Youngstown, Ohio area, the Washington Post reported after his release from prison.
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Astounding.
Reply to this comment
by formrusmcsgt February 24, 2010 7:55 AM EST
Traficant, who recently finished serving seven years in prison on bribery and racketeering charges, will run as an independent...
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I though he did time on an animal cruelty charge for carring a dead cat around on his head for years....
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by yeswecansofu February 24, 2010 7:46 AM EST
the wrong person went to prison. his barber is the real criminal i think!!
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by Stevenapoli7 February 24, 2010 7:42 AM EST
I wouldn't trust him to sell me used car.
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by stryker54 February 24, 2010 4:45 AM EST
poor guy got caught doing that which is normal politics these days.
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by jackp32 February 23, 2010 11:40 PM EST
The Oh!Bama administration should hire him as some sort of an adviser. He would fit right in with the "corruptors."
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by jcnbma February 23, 2010 7:07 PM EST
This guy makes Donald Trump look like he's having a good hair day.
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by pws54 February 23, 2010 5:18 PM EST
If this guy is re-elected then there is no doubt in my mind how Ohio became the "swing state" of the 2004 presidential election. We have the best politicians money can buy.
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by Skruffy1 February 23, 2010 5:12 PM EST
Dayummmm... what the hell is thing that crawled up on his head???
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