'This Is Not the Time for Our Community to Embarrass Ourselves Nationally'

Really, is there ever a good time to embarrass yourself nationally? OK, these are Democrats, after all, so they have plenty of experience. Well, now he folks in Ohio seem to be a little ashamed that for Congressman James Traficant will soon be released. I must say he's really elevated his sense of sartorial splendor behind bars.

Critics of James A. Traficant Jr. say the ex-congressman’s release from prison and a party welcoming him home make it appear as though the Mahoning Valley embraces political corruption.

Traficant is to be released Wednesday from federal prison after serving a little more than seven years for racketeering, bribery, obstruction of justice and tax evasion.

About 1,000 tickets have been sold to an event Sunday at Mr. Anthony’s banquet hall in Boardman to celebrate Traficant’s release.

“They’re trying to make him out to be some kind of hero coming back from war,” said Austintown Trustee David Ditzler.

Ditzler was Mahoning County Democratic Party chairman from 1999 to 2002, relinquishing the position a few months before a federal court found Traficant guilty of all 10 felony charges he faced.

“The party is a slap in the face to the Valley,” Ditzler said. “It’s a little deplorable. I’m kind of appalled that there would be such an event.”

During Traficant’s seven-year absence, the Valley’s image has “improved dramatically,” Ditzler said.

He points to U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, who replaced Traficant in Congress, as being a leader and someone who’s helped restore the area’s longtime tainted reputation.

“This is not the time for our community to embarrass ourselves nationally” with an event to celebrate Traficant’s release from prison, said state Rep. Robert F. Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th.

“Honoring him in any way, shape or form doesn’t do the community any good,” said Hagan, who lost the 2000 Democratic primary for a congressional seat to Traficant.

Despite being found guilty on all counts, Traficant has “never admitted guilt or apologized to his supporters or our community,” Hagan added.

Traficant was also the fifth member of the U.S. House to be expelled, and only the second since the Civil War.

“I’m struck by the fact that some people feel all politicians are guilty of some form of corruption,” Hagan said. “That’s a slap in the face of those, like myself, who have integrity. Not all of us are corrupt. [But politicians are labeled that way] when you consider people who commit crimes to be heroes.”

The welcome-home event for Traficant, who isn’t expected to attend, though organizers invited him, will bring “national embarrassment” to the area, Hagan said.

In case you don't recognize him from the above photo, taken in prison several years ago, perhaps this will jog your memory. I always marveled at that thing on top of his head.

Traficant was also famous for his speeches on the House floor, which usually ended with him saying "beam me up, Mr. Speaker."

Here's some old video.



And another gem before he was booted from Congress.