Former Rep. Jim Traficant (D-Ohio) will run for Congress in 2010, according to a media report Wednesday. "I'm going to run," Traficant said before about 35 members of The Biz Society, the Youngstown Business Journal reported Wednesday. The former lawmaker's words come almost four months after he was released from federal prison after he served part of a seven-year sentence on a racketeering conviction. Traficant was removed from Congress in 2002.
Traficant, who used to represent Ohio's 17th district, said he has not yet made up his mind on which district to run in.
The 17th district is now represented by his former staffer, Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio). The Journal reports that Traficant has nominating petitions circulating in the 17th, 16th and 6th congressional districts.
The 16th and 6th districts are represented by Democratic Reps. John Boccieri and Charlie Wilson, respectively. "I'm going to run for Congress somewhere," Traficant said. It is unclear if he will run as a Democrat, Republican, independent or under a third party.
During his time in Congress, Traficant was known as a colorful character known for his offbeat attire and his penchant to quote from "Star Trek," frequently saying "beam me up" at the conclusion of his floor speeches.
At the speaking engagement, Traficant vowed revenge on the individuals who provided information about him to federal investigators. "I want to get these suckers!" he said. "You are being addressed by a very bitter guy."