Traficant files for re-election as an independent

By Joe Milicia
The Associated Press

KENT, Ohio ­ U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr., convicted last month of racketeering and bribery, officially declared his candidacy yesterday for re-election as an independent.

But it was unclear whether he still has enough support outside of his home base of Youngstown to have a major impact on the race.

Members of Traficant's staff submitted petitions on his behalf at the Trumbull County Board of Elections in Warren yesterday afternoon.

Traficant will run in the newly drawn 17th Congressional District, half of which is represented by Rep. Tom Sawyer, a Democrat who also is running for re-election.

"I believe Jim Traficant has the right to run," said Craig Phillips, 36, who was shopping in this small college town that's part of the new district where Traficant has never run before.

"At the same time I think I have strong reservations about him," said Phillips, of Ravenna, another city that Traficant has not represented.

"He just does not seem very professional," Phillips said.

In April, Traficant was convicted of racketeering, federal bribery and tax evasion charges. He faces as many as 63 years in prison at his June 27 sentencing, but probably would get less time. Disciplinary action from Congress could include expulsion, which would require approval from two-thirds of the 435-member House.

The convictions don't prevent Traficant, a nine-term Democrat, from running again for Congress.