Last week, The Vindicator asked hundreds of its News Contacts this question: Give us your thoughts

Last week, The Vindicator asked hundreds of its News Contacts this question: Give us your thoughts on the Traficant trial so far. What do you make of what has happened to this point?
I keep waiting for Traficant to pull the rabbit out of his hat, but so far he only seems to be pulling out rabbit pellets.
Jim Zupanic, Youngstown
Who will be the next city of Warren or Trumbull County official getting unfavorable mention in the media during the Traficant trial?
Sally Shubert-Hall, Warren
Aren't all guys with egos as big as Traficant's destined to eventually get beat? Remember [Mickey] Monus? He was so arrogant as CEO of Phar-Mor and thought that he could get away with illegal activities. Traficant thought that since he beat the government once he was invincible. Just another in a long line of arrogant crooks that permeate the Mahoning Valley. Too bad!
Bill Johnson, Boardman
I feel that no matter what, we should support our congressman. We don't know all the facts yet. I feel if he says he's innocent, we should support him until the decision is made at the trial.
Amber Hicks, Struthers
Flounder is the word I would use in regards for Mr. Traficant. He really needs a lawyer.
Anna Marie Brown, Berlin Center
I wonder what they [the jury] think of the people in the 17th District that voted him into office nine times. They must think that they are in the twilight zone.
Ken Wilson, Boardman
I think Jim is holding his own with all the federal attorneys. I think sometimes the government gets real petty and wastes the taxpayers' money.
Patti Herman, Youngstown
I know that the prosecution has all it needs to make room in a cell for James Traficant, but ... this bunch is putting up too much for the jury to really grasp.
Patrick M. Liste, Girard
He seems to be intent to try and convince everyone that it is a conspiracy against him. I really don't see it that way. Do his supporters believe all these people coming forward are lying about what happened? I think not.
Bill Spiker, Struthers
Not certain that the Feds have it all together. Very sordid and, if all true, a black mark for the Valley.
Paul Good, North Lima
I remain neutral on Mr. Traficant. I believe he has done good things and bad.
Patricia Toth Grimm, Poland
I have argued for Traficant numerous times, but this is too much. It is a disgrace to abuse those who trusted you.
Nathan L. Queener, Youngstown
He must still present his defense and that may prove interesting. Some of the witnesses for the prosecution have agendas and have received deals for their own offenses. Personally, they hold little integrity with me.
William Longley, Hubbard
I understand why Traficant is being his own attorney. He, like a lot of the rest of us, is tired of the "politics" of the judicial system. I wish him all the luck. Maybe he should have stayed away from the "politics" of politics and he wouldn't be where he is now.
Denise Mellott, Austintown
I'm so tired of this man making a mockery out of this area of Ohio. If the press would stop all this publicity maybe he'd stop his animation. It's getting very old, the lies, deceit, cunning and his total disregard of our justice system.
Carole Zoll, Struthers
I don't think Traficant is any worse than most other politicians. Traficant stepped on the wrong toes someplace. The people appearing against him are no better than he is. They are just trying to save themselves.
Earl Baker, Canfield
I think it's been a boring trial so far. He has proven that he is a horrible attorney. But I don't think they will send him to prison over people baling hay. Save the prison space for the thugs.
Vinny Carkido, Girard
Does anyone remember Huey Long? (Senator, Louisiana, 1932-35) Known as a poor man's senator. Was criticized for his wild ways and colorful speech.
Marguerite Harkleroad, Austintown
I think he will beat the government again, but, then again, if convicted he will be a martyr.
Wayne Mancino, Youngstown
Traficant is an embarrassment to the area he serves. The fact that he doesn't have a clue as to how to defend himself is an indication of his muddled thinking.
Eleanor Richey, Austintown
If you have an e-mail address and would like to become a Vindicator News Contact, let us know.
We'll periodically send e-mails asking our contacts for their thoughts. The topic might be an issue we plan to address in the future or news events as they occur.
To become a contact, please type "Contact" into the subject line and send us your e-mail address, name, the town where you live and a daytime telephone number for verification purposes to newscontacts@vindy.com