Youngstown Traficant To Launch Presidential Campaign, Supporters Say
August 1, 2003
Former Congressman James Traficant could launch a presidential campaign from his prison cell. A group of Traficant supporters announced today that the convicted Youngstown Democrat has given the green light to launch a presidential campaign.
Traficant served nine terms as the Youngstown area's Congressional Representative. Last year, the House expelled Traficant after he was convicted on ten federal corruption charges. Traficant is currently serving an eight-year sentence at the Allenwood Federal Correctional Institution, in central Pennsylvania.
A federal jury determined Traficant had taken kickbacks from staff members, accepted gifts from businessmen for political help, and filed false tax returns. Traficant faced a maximum 63 years in prison.
Presidential Exploratory Committee
The group of Traficant supporters says it is forming a presidential exploratory committee and has already raised more than $10,000 through their Internet site. Marcus Belk, a spokesman for the campaign, says he hopes to raise $100,000 by October 1, the date Traficant would formally announce his candidacy.
Traficant, known for his wit and wardrobe, had claimed he was the victim of a government conspiracy. In the Mahoning Valley, Traficant was a popular vote-getter. From 1986 through 1998, Traficant garnered at least 68 percent of the vote. In 2000, Traficant carried 50 percent of the votes in a four-way race. However, in a Congressional race run from his jail cell last November, Traficant did not fare well. In a three-way race, 15 percent of voters voted for Traficant, who ran as an Independent.
Although the outcome of Traficant's potential presidential campaign remains uncertain, it is clear that his loyal supporters are determined to rally behind him.
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