Ace of Spades HQ

February 03, 2010

Jim Traficant: "I'm Running For Congress"
— Ace

He's baaaack...

No, but, I guess: At least he's formally paid for his crimes, which puts him ahead of half of Congress.

Former U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. of Ohio, who was released from prison four months ago after serving a sentence for racketeering, tax evasion and bribery, is planning another run for Congress in 2010.
Business Journal Daily reports that Traficant told a business networking group in Youngstown, Ohio yesterday that "I'm going to run for Congress." He said he isn't sure which district he will seek or whether he will run as a Democrat, Republican, independent or something else.
...
Traficant also said a far-right group called the American Free Press wants him to run for president as an independent. He is planning to speak to the group in February, if he is allowed to travel under the terms of his parole.

Well, there's a bumper sticker for you.

Jim Traficant

Fighting for America's Families, so long as it doesn't violate the terms of my parole.

As for his program: He's talking like a Republican, and looks to unseat his replacement, Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan. He's into capitalism and... revenge. He expressly wans revenge on the "suckers" who put him in jail.

I've never been a great fan, but, sure, I'll support him, so long as he's not a Democrat.

Thanks to scm.

Posted by: Ace at 01:52 PM | Comments (153)
Post contains 242 words, total size 2 kb.

1 This dude is serious nut case and a 911 troofer. Whatever good he did in the past, his brain is not right, now.

Posted by: rawmuse at February 03, 2010 01:54 PM (6Kciv)

2 I think he'd be a great candidate for extreme makeovers.

Posted by: conscious, but incoherent at February 03, 2010 01:54 PM (Vu6sl)

3 Trafficant back in Congress is scarily awesome.
I wonder if there's an Inigo Montoya Revenge Party he could run under.

Posted by: Iblis at February 03, 2010 01:54 PM (9221z)

4 WHAT the FUCK is that THING on his head?!?!?

Posted by: doc at the radar station at February 03, 2010 01:55 PM (GzZVw)

5 I base my comment on an interview he did w/Hannity. He went way off the deep end on that one.

Posted by: rawmuse at February 03, 2010 01:55 PM (6Kciv)

6 This guy makes CSPAN nearly as entertaining as the Hobo Kickin Channel.

Posted by: WTFCI at February 03, 2010 01:55 PM (+zo63)

7 Oh, hell, no.

Posted by: Peaches at February 03, 2010 01:55 PM (9Wv2j)

8 racketeering, tax evasion? hm. Sounds like Rangle and Geithner.

Posted by: maverick muse at February 03, 2010 01:55 PM (+CLh/)

9 Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but is he even allowed to vote after serving time for all those felonies? How would he qualify to serve in the Legislature?

Posted by: Peaches at February 03, 2010 01:58 PM (9Wv2j)

10 Beam me up.

Posted by: notropis at February 03, 2010 01:58 PM (KQS/7)

Since that thing on his head hasn't ducked back into its' hole after seeing its' shadow - Spring looks to be early this year!

Posted by: garrett at February 03, 2010 01:59 PM (nhPFT)

12 Well, you gotta give the guy credit. He's got balls.
Not the dipping kind, mind you. But balls, just the same.

Posted by: antisocialist at February 03, 2010 02:00 PM (Rwudm)

13
Fits right back in with the current group of thieves. Time to go morons, late.

Posted by: Dang Straights at February 03, 2010 02:01 PM (fx8sm)

14 He's running because the 37 percent of democraps who are anti semites need another voice.

Posted by: eaglewingz08 at February 03, 2010 02:02 PM (dv8zz)

15 Does he know there is a muskrat living on his head?

Posted by: maddogg at February 03, 2010 02:03 PM (OlN4e)

Amazing! He got that roadkill squirrel back. The one he always used to keep on top of his head.

He wasn't allowed to wear that thing while he was in the slammer.

There must be a website somewhere for "World's Worst Toupees" and he's their mascot.

Posted by: MikeW at February 03, 2010 02:03 PM (g4tB5)

17 Ace,

Are you sure you want to throw your support his way?

On Hannity last Oct.

Posted by: Iskandar at February 03, 2010 02:04 PM (/o58C)

18 How many years did he get for that hair?

Posted by: sifty at February 03, 2010 02:04 PM (PXR0g)

19 En Fuego!

Posted by: that guy that shouts enfuego! at February 03, 2010 02:05 PM (PD1tk)

20 He really does need to get a fresh weasel for his head.

Posted by: Jane D'oh! at February 03, 2010 02:05 PM (UOM48)

21 this dude is as republican as chairman mao.

What a circus. The GOP should just condemn this democrat. We've already seen the Scozzaffava thing. You aren't a republican just because you claim to be.

Posted by: Mr Hat at February 03, 2010 02:06 PM (dUOK+)

22 Crooked is as Crooked does......

Trafficant had his 15 Minutes back in the 90s; he needs to find a condo south of Miami and Surrender to the Buzz. Write occasional articles for Mother Jones, if they're still in bidness.

Posted by: SantaRosaStan at February 03, 2010 02:06 PM (JrRME)

23 At least he knows where he'll fit in. There are probably more criminals in the House than in the Big House.

Posted by: Cicero at February 03, 2010 02:07 PM (QKKT0)

24 OHIO--The Heart of It All!!!

Posted by: Ohio Dept. of Tourism and Rescidivism at February 03, 2010 02:07 PM (5Xf3c)

25 He blames the Jooooos . . .

Posted by: Peaches at February 03, 2010 02:08 PM (9Wv2j)

26 I've never been a great fan, but, sure, I'll support him, so long as he's not a Democrat.

He may be sleazy pond scum, but at least he's our pond scum!

Posted by: Jane D'oh! at February 03, 2010 02:08 PM (UOM48)

27 Traficant v. Trump: Toupee Termination
Atlantic City
Cage Death Match of the Century

Posted by: sifty at February 03, 2010 02:09 PM (PXR0g)

28
Ace,

Would you take a handy from Jim Traficant if he offered, just because it's, well, Jim Traficant?

Focus on the hair.

Posted by: Uniball at February 03, 2010 02:10 PM (27iEn)

29 You KNOW Barney Frank would be better at it.

Posted by: Uniball at February 03, 2010 02:10 PM (27iEn)

30 That can't be real. Somebody had to have had Photoshop fun with the hair.

Posted by: Shannon at February 03, 2010 02:10 PM (yQCNl)

31 Looks like he's wearing some kind of a failed mullet.

Posted by: OregonMuse at February 03, 2010 02:11 PM (hoowK)

32 Jim Traficant For Congress -- You Know Where He Stands Because His Ankle Bracelet Sends Out A Signal Every 30 Seconds

Posted by: Cicero at February 03, 2010 02:11 PM (QKKT0)

It sure feels good to be out again...

Posted by: Jim Traficant's Hair at February 03, 2010 02:11 PM (j4xgZ)

34 I'd vote for him just because it would be funny.

Posted by: Spade at February 03, 2010 02:11 PM (r6GOR)

35 I'd rather listen to Charlie Rangel and Susan Estrich sing the BeeGee's than vote for this guy.

But it will be fun to watch him flail and fail for a while.

Posted by: sifty at February 03, 2010 02:12 PM (PXR0g)

36 Nice to see the squirrel pelt survived the Big House.

And remember, folks....he's a Democrat!

Posted by: Joey Biden at February 03, 2010 02:12 PM (MMC8r)

37
Fucking Lace Wig spam.

Posted by: Dang at February 03, 2010 02:13 PM (UA4gE)

38 Could we please the felons to the DNC where they belong?

Posted by: barbelle at February 03, 2010 02:13 PM (qF8q3)

39 Can't say i'd vote for Traficant, but i'd vote for his toupee.

Posted by: koopy at February 03, 2010 02:13 PM (XllG0)

40 Whatever good he did in the past, his brain is not right, now.

Yeah, that makes a presumption against evidence.

I love him. He's utterly completely totally batshit in every way. That's what's great.

And he got the hair back! Hurray!

Posted by: alexthechick at February 03, 2010 02:14 PM (TtXKB)

Saw some interviews with him and Greta & some other show and I don't think that I'd want him anywhere near Congress.

He flipped back and forth between some conservative talk and liberal talking points......unstable. Oh, and who is responsible for all of his troubles....the JOOOOOOZ.

Posted by: Cheri at February 03, 2010 02:14 PM (G+Wff)

42 His toupe freaks my ass out. No thanks.

Posted by: Phil Specter at February 03, 2010 02:14 PM (5Xf3c)

43
"What? I can't hear a word you're saying. Where's my comb... ?"

Posted by: James A. Traficant Jr. at February 03, 2010 02:15 PM (UA4gE)

44 He said he isn't sure which district he will seek or whether he will run as a Democrat, Republican, independent or something else.
I'm thinking something else. Yeah, some fuckin' thing else. Damifino what. But something else.

Posted by: antisocialist at February 03, 2010 02:15 PM (Rwudm)

45 Maybe he could revive the Whig party

Posted by: Peaches at February 03, 2010 02:16 PM (9Wv2j)

46 33 -- hah!

Posted by: ace at February 03, 2010 02:16 PM (jlvw3)

Correction...

Could we please leave the felons to the DNC where they belong?

Left out "leave," o the irony...

Posted by: barbelle at February 03, 2010 02:16 PM (qF8q3)

48 "44 His toupe freaks my ass out. No thanks.

Posted by: Phil Specter at February 03, 2010 06:14 PM (5Xf3c)"

What you've forgotten me already? The prez called me out, I'm going to be a star.

Posted by: frank l. hannity best bud at February 03, 2010 02:16 PM (p302b)

49 James Trafficant for Congress- Has Convictions, Served his Time.

James Trafficant for Congress- Because he knows how to use a Shank.

I wonder if Bawney Fwank would drop the soap.

Posted by: Holger at February 03, 2010 02:17 PM (8NGHm)

50 well, to be honest, I don't like him, but I thought a lot of other conservatives did. Now my pandering seems to have gone for naught.

Posted by: ace at February 03, 2010 02:17 PM (jlvw3)

51 He's utterly completely totally batshit in every way. That's what's great.

Posted by: alexthechick at February 03, 2010 06:14 PM (TtXKB)

Batshit insane: great in Congressmen, not so great in people you file for TROs against. Is it any wonder I do what I do?

Posted by: Herr Morgenholz at February 03, 2010 02:18 PM (5Xf3c)

Jim Traficant For Congress -- You Know Where He Stands Because His Ankle Bracelet Sends Out A Signal Every 30 Seconds

Cicero has a thread winner!

Posted by: Cheri at February 03, 2010 02:18 PM (G+Wff)

53 Dude, here's the number of the guy who did my plugs! Trust me, they're undetectable!

Posted by: Joe Biden at February 03, 2010 02:19 PM (MMC8r)

54 Don't get me wrong, I liked him when he was giving hell to the other Dems. and voting against them. But the stuff coming out of his mouth on the Hannity interview, total deal breaker. He made Dennis Kucinich sound reasonable.

Posted by: rawmuse at February 03, 2010 02:19 PM (6Kciv)

55 "Fighting for America's Families, so long as it doesn't violate the terms of my parole."

The thing is, he might actually use that. We need a laugh in politics and there's no one like him in Congress right now. Here are just two of his quotes I can remember off the top of my head:

Explaining to the House Ethics Committee why he was an hour late for his hearing:
"I was on other media broadcasts trying to demean you and everybody else."

"Last time I saw [Clinton] he was swinging on the chandelier in the Oval Office with a brassiere around his head, Viagra in one hand and a Bible in the other, and he was torn between good and evil."

Face it, the guy is one of us.

Posted by: Nemo from Erewhon at February 03, 2010 02:19 PM (vgjDD)

56 I always thought the guy was hilarious.

Posted by: Dr. Spank at February 03, 2010 02:19 PM (0FiCa)

57 Now my pandering seems to have gone for naught.

Posted by: ace at February 03, 2010 06:17 PM (jlvw3)

Generally, a fiver in the garter covers a multitude of sins.

Posted by: Herr Morgenholz at February 03, 2010 02:20 PM (5Xf3c)

Since that thing on his head hasn't ducked back into its' hole after seeing its' shadow - Spring looks to be early this year!

Someone made a funny! _{less grumpy now, thanks!}

Posted by: grouchyunderalls at February 03, 2010 02:20 PM (wyXxN)

59 Jim Traficant For Congress -- Stand Behind Him, Because He's Been in Federal "Pound Me In The Ass" Prison. Just Saying.

Posted by: enoxo at February 03, 2010 02:20 PM (XwMgL)

60 Face it, the guy is one of us.

Posted by: Nemo from Erewhon at February 03, 2010 06:19 PM (vgjDD)

We'd have to search the crawlspace to no for sure and hand him a pudding cup.

Posted by: Holger at February 03, 2010 02:21 PM (8NGHm)

61 The orange will get him major exposure at the State of the Union.

Posted by: Chairman, Dipshit Party of the Mahoning Valley at February 03, 2010 02:22 PM (5Xf3c)

62 If Marion Barry of Washington DC can still be on the DC City Council after, "Bitch set me up!" cocaine smokin video then we can have the same in congress.

Posted by: dagny at February 03, 2010 02:22 PM (lEkVh)

Greatest hair . . . EVAH!

Posted by: Wyatt Earp at February 03, 2010 02:23 PM (zgZzy)

64 Sport a criminal? Hell no. Crap like this will keep me from voting for the Republicans this year. Elect good honest leaders, not more criminals.

Posted by: Red at February 03, 2010 02:24 PM (7us0J)

65 I used to date a Sicilian girl from Warren, which was either in his district or right beside it. According to her, Traficant has always been mobbed up.

So, as Congressmen go, he's honest.

Posted by: Herr Morgenholz at February 03, 2010 02:25 PM (5Xf3c)

66 Can we talk about some smart military stuff now?

Posted by: sifty at February 03, 2010 02:25 PM (PXR0g)

67 He and Barney would make a pair with sulley as their pivot man.

Posted by: 'Nam Grunt at February 03, 2010 02:26 PM (IIHY9)

68 I should point out that in regards to my previous comment, I realize he has a number of, uh, unconventional ideas. But right now I'm "represented" by Pelosi and Boxer. There's nowhere to go but up.

Posted by: Nemo from Erewhon at February 03, 2010 02:26 PM (vgjDD)

69 Fox News Alert: Brown will be sworn in Thursday afternoon.

Posted by: Jane D'oh! at February 03, 2010 02:26 PM (UOM48)

70 Pick a random bum off the street and you have a better rep than Piglosi and Boxer.

Posted by: sifty at February 03, 2010 02:27 PM (PXR0g)

71 Seriously, I want he and Kucinich to have an insane off. It would be epic.

Posted by: alexthechick at February 03, 2010 02:27 PM (TtXKB)

This is a big mistake. After the first 5 minutes of his prepared talking points into any interview this idiot starts talking about the 'zionists'...

This guy would become the poster boy for another 'culture of corruption' campaign commercial by the dems. This time with the added benefit of anti-semitism. Its obvious because it writes itself (which is all the dems are capable of anyhow)

Posted by: Billy Barty at February 03, 2010 02:27 PM (9vQ7f)

73 Squeeeeeeky wheel gets the grease, go Browny!

Posted by: 'Nam Grunt at February 03, 2010 02:28 PM (IIHY9)

74
WHAT the FUCK is that THING on his head?!?!?

Posted by: doc at the radar station at February 03, 2010 05:55 PM (GzZVw)

My best guess is, its two badgers mating.

Posted by: Blazer at February 03, 2010 02:28 PM (t72+4)

75 32 Looks like he's wearing some kind of a failed mullet.

Posted by: OregonMuse at February 03, 2010 06:11 PM (hoowK)

You morons really need to get an education. His particular hairstyle is called a "Top of the World" mullet.

Posted by: President of "The Mullets for Men Club" at February 03, 2010 02:29 PM (Vu6sl)

76 I hope Ace didn't mistake Trafficant for Sasquatch.

Posted by: Dr. Spank at February 03, 2010 02:29 PM (0FiCa)

77 Did he fuck that mop in prison, it does come on and off right?

Posted by: 'Nam Grunt at February 03, 2010 02:30 PM (IIHY9)

78 I love the JBF by Barney Frank (JBFBBF) hair.

Posted by: Scandiman at February 03, 2010 02:30 PM (iyx4A)

79 His hair looks like it is trying to get away.

My feeling is, there are going to be a lot of Democrats talking like Republicans this fall. More than the Republicans do.

Posted by: real joe at February 03, 2010 02:31 PM (WjerO)

80 Serious case of bedhead. He must sleep on his side.

Posted by: Mindy at February 03, 2010 02:32 PM (UnVsw)

I used to date a Sicilian girl from Warren, which was either in his district or right beside it. According to her, Traficant has always been mobbed up.

That entire area is mobbed up. But from what I hear, they don't even have a quasi-levedheaded Johnny Sacks. They're more like Christopher Moltisanti on H.

Posted by: grouchyunderalls at February 03, 2010 02:32 PM (wyXxN)

82 I used to date a Sicilian girl from Warren, which was either in his district or right beside it. According to her, Traficant has always been mobbed up.

Posted by: Herr Morgenholz at February 03, 2010 06:25 PM (5Xf3c)

It's hard to believe that Warren wouldn't have been in his district and yes, he's completely mobbed up. Although it's probably a sign of their diminished strength in the area or that he never turned on them that they didn't have him whacked. He has a local radio show now and he is batshit crazy.

Posted by: Captain Hate at February 03, 2010 02:34 PM (Sghlv)

83 Hey, now that O.J. Simpson is a "resident of Nevada" he could declare his canidacy for Harry Reid's Senate seat.

Posted by: President of the "Criminals for Congress and Senate Party" at February 03, 2010 02:34 PM (Vu6sl)

84 Hey, Scotty. Beam me down.

Posted by: rdbrewer at February 03, 2010 02:34 PM (4Rp5g)

85 I hope he joins the GOP.

Posted by: rdbrewer at February 03, 2010 02:36 PM (4Rp5g)

I wonder if there's an Inigo Montoya Revenge Party he could run under.

42! ...

( ... oh, wait -- wrong Montoya.)

Posted by: FireHorse at February 03, 2010 02:36 PM (cQyWA)

87 33 Jim Traficant For Congress -- You Know Where He Stands Because His Ankle Bracelet Sends Out A Signal Every 30 Seconds Thread winnah, for shizzle! Jim Traficant, of the Lace Whig Party

Posted by: runningrn at February 03, 2010 02:37 PM (CfmlF)

88 Worst rug in America.

Posted by: looking closely at February 03, 2010 02:39 PM (KNy97)

89 Shoot, the big house is just about the same as the White House which is just about the same as the Capitol Building. Like Ace said, at least he's already served his time. Shame on all those unconvicted felons who are currently serving in Congress.

Posted by: runningrn at February 03, 2010 02:39 PM (CfmlF)

Traficant sure hates AIPAC, but I never heard him denounce the Zionists. I don't hear too many anti-Semites say they would personally support Israel if Israel were attacked.

I also don't think the dude is totally right in the head, but his voting record is more conservative than many Republicans. Unless he's running against a brilliant Republican, he's likely a better pick than your typical RINO that could get elected in his district.

Posted by: Jim in San Diego at February 03, 2010 02:39 PM (F09Uo)

91 Rescidivism is an ugly word, Mr. McDunough.

Posted by: Cincinnatus at February 03, 2010 02:39 PM (euuyg)

92 I think he's going for the anti-John-Edwards-silky-hair vote.

Posted by: agnostica at February 03, 2010 02:41 PM (gbCNS)

93 Looks like that tinfoil hat Jim wears in private has kinda molded his melon.

Posted by: Soap MacTavish at February 03, 2010 02:41 PM (554T5)

94 The theme song for Traficant's rug.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at February 03, 2010 02:44 PM (I/MqP)

95 As a Youngstownian...please, no. NO.

Posted by: JeepGirl at February 03, 2010 02:50 PM (mZFDY)

I don't see a sarcasm tag.

If you are serious about supporting this shit bag is his run, I have been reading the wrong blog, and thinking the wrong things about this blog.

If you are funning me, flip the eggs on my face, because they are already overcooked.

Posted by: Andrew at February 03, 2010 02:52 PM (8E046)

97 I hate him for no other reason than seeing him on the Phil Donahue show years ago, and Phil liked him.

Posted by: agnostica at February 03, 2010 02:53 PM (gbCNS)

If you think about it, are his crimes any worse than Obama'a REZKO HOUSE DEAL or the ADMITTED NARCOTICS USE?

Scum is scum. Ted Kennedy never served time, but he DID kill someone.

Posted by: gus at February 03, 2010 02:53 PM (Vqruj)

99 This pathetic douchenozzle should slink back to the hole from whence he came....and take T Ryan with him.

Posted by: ytown shakedown at February 03, 2010 02:59 PM (w5IM2)

100 Traficant for Congress -- Because the crook you know is safer than the crook you don't.

Posted by: George Orwell at February 03, 2010 03:03 PM (AZGON)

101 He needs to adjust the angle of his hair. Unless it's all foomphy like that to hide some kind of tracking device.

Posted by: BeckoningChasm at February 03, 2010 03:03 PM (eNxMU)

102 102 Take it easy. Almost everything is sarcasm here, except when it isn't.

Posted by: dagny at February 03, 2010 03:05 PM (/Ox+l)

103 Jim Traficant IS Sheila in the new production of H A I R

Posted by: George Orwell at February 03, 2010 03:06 PM (AZGON)

104
He expressly wans revenge on the "suckers" who put him in jail.

Jim Traficant: This Time It's Personal

Posted by: Golem14 at February 03, 2010 03:07 PM (2X8VA)

105 That bastard stole my tin foil hat and my hair

Posted by: dananjcon at February 03, 2010 03:07 PM (uwWjH)

106 Jim Traficant IS Chad Gates in the 3-D remake of B L U E H A W A I I

Posted by: George Orwell at February 03, 2010 03:09 PM (AZGON)

107 Doesn't remind me of this at all. Not at all.

Posted by: Golem14 at February 03, 2010 03:18 PM (2X8VA)

108 Ace, let's do a money bomb to buy the poor bastard a real fucking toupee!

One with human hair, where the fuck is the lace wig guy?

Posted by: Kemp at February 03, 2010 03:28 PM (2+9Yx)

109 Recidivism.

Posted by: Shooter McGavin at February 03, 2010 03:31 PM (cxGtL)

110 Traficant was fairly useful back in the day. He'd sign on to pretty much anything the GOP was selling, thereby allowing them to use the much-coveted "bi-partisan" tag.

Posted by: Fa Cube Itches at February 03, 2010 03:35 PM (zGWMP)

111 "A Congressman with Convictions."

And really, really strange hair.

I bet his hair could take Blago's hair in a fight.

Posted by: PJ at February 03, 2010 03:46 PM (pizFh)

112 Oh God, just look at the hair. THE HAIR.

It won't get OUT OF MY HEAD NOW.

THE HAIR!

Posted by: Xoxotl at February 03, 2010 03:56 PM (mKUkk)

113 Traficant? Hello! Hello! The guy was a crook, and remains a crook. What are he and the Ohio Mafia thinking? Jebuz, not only is Traficant old and degenerated, but the Ohio Mafia must likewise be old and degenerated to support him. OTOH, what can one expect from Toledo?

Posted by: Quaoar at February 03, 2010 04:02 PM (GoWHt)

114 In the Traficante TV Biopic, the key role of the toupee is played by Brian Dennehy.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at February 03, 2010 04:27 PM (I/MqP)

115 As they must say in Youngstown, Ohio:

From here on up, it's downhill all the way.

Must be something in the water that makes everybody batsh*t crazy.

Posted by: Alaska Paul at February 03, 2010 04:34 PM (rMkgW)

116 Geez, surely the GOP wouldn't let this guy run under their banner.

Posted by: scr_north at February 03, 2010 04:36 PM (Ve5/5)

117 OK, I live in Traficant's old district. coupla things: 1. Jim's got a not-bad talk radio show, WTAM 1100 1-3 on Saturdays. 2. The reason he's running for Congress is that his felony bars him from running for Ohio office, but apparently not for Federal office. 3. There's nothing not to like here. If he runs D in the primary for his old seat (and he still does identify himself as a Democrat) and loses, he'll still injure Ryan. If he runs and wins, no more Tim Ryan, and believe me, Traficant is much better and more entertaining in Congress that Tim Ryan. My wife claims that if he runs in the Mahoning Valley, he will win. She's been here a lot longer than I, but I think that's a stretch. OTOH, if Jim gets the nomination and the GOP finds somebody halfway good to run against him, they could win....and the district is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the USWA, so the Dems would have to nominate an unelectable screwball like Traficant to lose it. Would I vote for him? Not in the primary, I'm GOP. As an independent, yes unless the LP were running somebody good. Jim v. a pug, mano a mano? I'd vote Jim over a RINO.

Posted by: Jeffrey Quick at February 03, 2010 04:37 PM (g9neE)

118 3. There's nothing not to like here. If he runs D in the primary for his old seat (and he still does identify himself as a Democrat) and loses, he'll still injure Ryan. If he runs and wins, no more Tim Ryan, and believe me, Traficant is much better and more entertaining in Congress that Tim Ryan. My wife claims that if he runs in the Mahoning Valley, he will win. She's been here a lot longer than I, but I think that's a stretch. OTOH, if Jim gets the nomination and the GOP finds somebody halfway good to run against him, they could win....and the district is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the USWA, so the Dems would have to nominate an unelectable screwball like Traficant to lose it.

I am so glad I hit refresh before starting to type, because I was about to say exactly this.

Posted by: LibertarianJim at February 03, 2010 04:39 PM (ohFJL)

119 Oh what the hell...send him over to IL. At least he'd be funny, and we seem to have a thing for crooked, mobbed up politicians with hair issues.

Posted by: unknown jane at February 03, 2010 04:40 PM (5/yRG)

120 Let's get him to challenge Kucinich!! Imagine the debate.

Posted by: Hedgehog at February 03, 2010 04:51 PM (oQIfB)

121

Traficant runs in the same area as Kucinich and Voinovich. Cleveland is full of a bunch of crazy, drunk-ass Eastern Europeans/Ukrainians.

Posted by: ErikW at February 03, 2010 04:54 PM (UD26L)

122

Let's get him to challenge Kucinich!! Imagine the debate.

You must be from Ohio too!

Posted by: ErikW at February 03, 2010 04:58 PM (UD26L)

123 Random thoughts:

Traficant is from Youngstown, not Cleveland or Toledo as I'm seeing in the comments. Same demographics though.

I'm not sure if Traficant can beat Tim Ryan. Ryan is a Murtha protege, very, very big on pork (lots of earmarks for Youngstown State). Maybe a Traficant run can get Oba-Won to do his reverse Midas on Ryan.

Traficant was someone who (imho) actually voted in his constituents' best interest, never following lockstep with either party.

Unless I'm mistaken, or Traficant moved, he resides in Charlie Wilson's district, not Tim Ryan's. Not sure if that makes a difference.

Amusing irony: the man Traficant beat to get into the House was a barber.

Posted by: SnowyOwl at February 03, 2010 05:10 PM (yWyBR)

124 A Congressman with Convictions. ...and a dead squirrel on his head.

Posted by: Faye Kinnit at February 03, 2010 05:36 PM (l1oyw)

125

Traficant was someone who (imho) actually voted in his constituents' best interest, never following lockstep with either party.

He certainly wasn't afraid of being labeled as corrupt. Jim Traficant operates in a make-believe world and so do you.

Posted by: ErikW at February 03, 2010 05:45 PM (UD26L)

126 Hey, it worked for Alcee Hastings, didn't it?

Posted by: Steven Den Beste at February 03, 2010 05:50 PM (+rSRq)

127

I like the idea of him running and winning as either a D or an Independant.

I think he has the balls - or the mental illness - to say things that everybody knows are true and which liberal convention and media pressure prevents most every Republican from saying. I really do think he'd call Nancy Pelosi an ignoramus and threaten to stab Bwany in the crotch when needed like "Maximus Meridius Decidius," which is often. If he's a D or I, the media will have to exercise some creativity to hide his party affiliation and blame his conduct on Republicans - they managed to do this by labeling him a "conservative" but leaving the Democrat label for the end of the stories, but at least they couldn't put "Republican" in the headline.

Posted by: Alec Leamas at February 03, 2010 05:58 PM (XASus)

128 To run for either Party, they would have to admit him first; no matter how stupid you think either party is, they aren't stupid enough to to be seen in the same room as Traficant. You like him? You can have him.

Posted by: Antibubba at February 03, 2010 06:01 PM (U0Y2p)

129 129

Let's get him to challenge Kucinich!! Imagine the debate.

You must be from Ohio too!

Posted by: ErikW at February 03, 2010 08:58 PM (UD26L)

Don't insult me!! I'm from Pittsburgh, I just happen to think that Traficant and Kucinich in the same room would be classic.

Posted by: Hedgehog at February 03, 2010 06:26 PM (oQIfB)

130 Has anyone re-counted the puppies from the other thread or did Jim keep the hair in a property bag while he did his stretch?

Posted by: Dave at February 03, 2010 06:32 PM (thlDi)

131 I'm not 100%, sure; but I think he was innocent, I think the bribery and racketeering was done by someone else...

And I'm pretty sure that someone else is HIS HAIR! Look at it, you can tell it's up to something, something bad.

Seriously, let him out, but his hair needs to go back to prison for another 10 years or so; I think it poses a clear and present danger to society.

Posted by: Gekkobear at February 03, 2010 06:46 PM (5/nmR)

132 hope he gets them sucker!!

Posted by: Uncle Jed at February 03, 2010 06:48 PM (eKgqT)

133 um, suckers...

Posted by: Uncle Jed at February 03, 2010 06:50 PM (eKgqT)

134

This loose cannon is great if he is going to split the Dem vote. Some local Tea Party groups are supportive of a potential candidacy by Bill Johnson, retired USAF officer, entrepeneur and anti-tax activist. He looks pretty good, and in comparison to the three other probable candidates (the incumbent Democrat party hack, a Republican community organizer(?), and the Mad Toupee) he is a fantastic choice.

Posted by: motionview at February 03, 2010 06:52 PM (7/l6y)

135 BADGER!

Posted by: mojo at February 03, 2010 07:00 PM (D6Uk6)

136 This is all shades of awesome.

Posted by: DelD at February 03, 2010 07:08 PM (eWtdM)

137 I've never been a great fan, but, sure, I'll support him, so long as he's not a Democrat.

The question is: Will you beam him up?

Posted by: Blacque Jacques Shellacque at February 03, 2010 07:11 PM (8PFPH)

138 Wasn't there a Louisiana bumper sticker "Vote for the Crook - It's Important"?

Posted by: Nancy at February 03, 2010 07:18 PM (3swLw)

139 Is that a bad hairpiece, or does he need to find a good barber. You think Obama is bad? Imagine if all politicians were as daffy as Jimmy T. is. (shudder)

Posted by: Guest at February 03, 2010 07:23 PM (ITzbJ)

140 There appears to be an elderly Tribble camping on his head in that pic.

Posted by: Purple Avenger at February 03, 2010 07:32 PM (TZ4Dk)

141 Another Demon Sheep thread?

Oh no wait, It's just that nut Jimmy back again...never mind.

Posted by: TheBigOldDog at February 03, 2010 07:59 PM (LPaj6)

142 Dude is a wierdo. Has a mop for hair...

Posted by: torabora at February 03, 2010 08:09 PM (UzXBM)

143 When mophead goes to movies, does he actually know what he is watching?

Posted by: torabora at February 03, 2010 08:12 PM (UzXBM)

144 I'm a conservative, I don't care how duped you think I am... I am a huge fan of this guy! This guy was an absolute legend on CSPAN, totally deserved. I really hope he runs for congress and wins. I feel it could only benefit the nation.

Posted by: Village Idiot at February 03, 2010 08:18 PM (OKc6n)

145 150 When mophead goes to movies, does he actually know what he is watching?

Posted by: torabora at February 04, 2010 12:12 AM (UzXBM)

Now you got me thinking how much fun in would be to be sitting in the theater behind him, seeing which bounces off of his head better, popcorn or candy.

Posted by: Guest at February 03, 2010 08:35 PM (ITzbJ)

146 If I lived in his district, I'd be scared not to vote for him. I mean a guy willing to voluntarily wear that thing on his head has to have balls the size of grapefruits at least.

Posted by: JorgXMcKie at February 03, 2010 09:10 PM (290l2)

147 Ace, no. No. No. No. Trust me on this. He WAS my Congressman. Knew him and his wife back in that day. Good people, to be sure, and I voted for him every time, even as a registered republican. I had planned on supporting him when he gained release from fed prison if the rumors about him running again were true. Until I heard him speak and talked to him. Those above stating his conversion to "Truther" and "batshit" are understating the man's 'conversion' while in prison. He is the last thing my area needs. The last thing the US Congress needs. His 'charm' is gone. He's Mini Jesse Ventura. He needs to sit and paint and talk to the TV. He makes Keith Olbermann look like ... well, maybe after MSNBC dumps Keefy they can hire Jimbo. No one will notice, except for the hair.

Posted by: Drillanwr at February 03, 2010 09:59 PM (1kwr2)

148 Damn! For some reason I suddenly want a Coach purse.

Posted by: Drillanwr at February 03, 2010 11:22 PM (1kwr2)

149 Ace,
I miss Traficant's "Beam me up" reports from the floor of Congress.
Having said that, did you see him on Greta Van Sustren's show? She interviewed him and he's go a big WHOPPER of an issue with ISRAEL. He blamed almost everything bad that's happened in the US of A on helping the jews over in the middle east. For a second, I thought I was listening to Pat Buchanan who had had a hair transplant.

This proves the old adage:
Democrats can go so far off the cliff to the left as to get to the fringe section of the Right.

Posted by: kay at February 03, 2010 11:53 PM (TW1NB)

150 His hair is a fashion statement.

Posted by: Corona at February 04, 2010 07:05 AM (woZIc)

151 Traficant launches live grey octopus headgear fashion.

Vote for me and maybe the bipartisan sides of my hair will come together again!

Posted by: Ketchup at February 04, 2010 08:07 AM (OmjAm)

152

Wow! Seeing some Y-town area " Pisans" here @ AoS. Small world.

Dan Moadus is a democrat you can support. http://tinyurl.com/y925h7x

He's more conservative than Repub Sen. Scott Brown.

Give his site a look and see what I mean.

Posted by: Drillanwr at February 04, 2010 08:56 AM (GkYyh)

153 ^{health insurance quotes, life insurance quotes , 29213452}