The faithful wish Jimbo a happy birthday.

YOUNGSTOWN — Happy birthday, Jim Traficant — even if you are behind bars.

That’s the message two brothers and a bar full of Traficant supporters meant to send to the imprisoned former Mahoning Valley congressman. They had a birthday bash in his honor Thursday at the Royal Oaks Bar & Grille on Oak Street.

The place was transformed into a haven for Traficant’s friends, supporters and those who believe that Traficant is an innocent man, despite his 2002 conviction on federal charges of racketeering, bribery and tax evasion.

A banner reading “Happy Birthday Jimbo” greeted anyone entering the bar. Songs like “The Congressman Can” — sung to to the tune of song “The Candy Man Can” — filled the bar most of the night.

There were hand-held fans, fashioned in the image of Traficant’s face, passed around to anyone feeling a little hot or just looking for a cool souvenir. Some people placed those fans in front of their faces and recited their favorite Traficant quotes.

For those who could not remember any quotes, such as “Beam me up” from the U.S. House floor, a compact disc with some of Traficant’s favorites was provided.

Fast Freddie of 93.3 The Wolf supplied the tunes and the Jimbo CDs.

A federal jury found Traficant guilty of 10 felony charges, also including obstruction of justice. He was sentenced to eight years in prison July 30, 2002, and his projected release is Sept. 2, 2009.

Read more in Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com