I used to work with Jimbo Traficant's niece several years ago... She was very upfront about his political activities when we would talk. Said that yes, he would help out individuals when and where he could, but not to the extent of being any more "corrupt" than anyone else on "The Hill." When I asked her to explain, she said that he would try to steer legislation to help his constituents when he could, because he was in Washington for them and felt it was his duty to do what he could to help them. She said that he was pretty much a "what you see is what you get" kind of guy that even respected the humor that people found in his wearing a hair piece. She acknowledged that his biggest problem in that area was that he literally got "ruffled" and then would end up in a photo somewhere that was about as unattractive as could possibly be. Be that as it may, you have to give him credit for speaking his mind against other politicians, no matter their party. And that is what got him in trouble... When everyone in your party is knee-deep in crap, it is best not to sling it on the others - to do so will cause them to organize against you and drown you in it.
Regards,
Raven6
