Ex-Con Jim Traficant Weighs Reelection to House

ABC News ^ | Sept. 15, 2009 | DEVIN DWYER

[kingattax]

Former Ohio Democrat Eligible to Run, But Does He Have Support? ---

He may be down, but don't count him out.

Former Democratic congressman James Traficant, fresh off completing a seven year prison term for a bribery and racketeering conviction, says he has not ruled out running for Congress again.

"I'm not sure at this point," Traficant told CNN on Monday when asked if he would seek reelection. "Both parties would not want to see me in Washington, believe me… I was very controversial down there."

Traficant, known for his flamboyant appearance and fiery political speeches, served nine terms representing Ohio's 17th congressional district. He was convicted in 2002 and later expelled from the House of Representatives .

Traficant has been outspoken about his imprisonment in the week since his release, appearing on a number of national television and radio talk shows.

"Nelson Mandela said if you really want to know the truth about a nation, you gotta go through their prisons," Traficant told Fox News on Sept. 10. "Believe me, he's right. And I learned an awful lot about America going through the prisons."

Supporters of Traficant have long held that he was the target of a government conspiracy -- despite a jury finding him guilty on 10-counts including bribery, filing false income tax returns, obstruction of justice, conspiracy to defraud the United States and racketeering.

"I'd be the first one to support him" if he ran for office, said Linda Kovachik, a friend and former Traficant staffer. "And I think people are going to realize he really got the royal screwing and that his conviction was unjust."

[presently no screen name]

Thanks for the link. This one is very timely....

October 31, 1997 Mr. Speaker, poll after poll suggests a growing problem in America. Many Americans do not trust the Federal Government. Pollsters keep trying to figure it out. I believe it is not all that complicated. In my opinion, the American people in growing numbers do not trust the Federal Government because many Americans believe that the Federal Government does not always tell the truth. The pollsters can constipate all they want over this issue. This is no brain surgery. It is very simple. No truth, no trust. Trust and truth are inseparable. I yield back Waco, Ruby Ridge, Pan Am 103, and Camelot.

[Rappini]

I’m not to sure about Traficant in his interview with Fox it appeared that he supports Obama. I’ll wait for Duke Cunninham to see where he ends up after his release.

[bmwcyle]

Maybe he will switch parties.

[jmaroneps37]

With his record he should he a hero to other Democrats.

[Las Vegas Dave]

FYI: Traficant is on 1100AM WTAM Friday September 25, 3 to 6 PM EST.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2347539/posts