Traficant considers running for U.S. Congress in 6th, 17th and 16th districts

YOUNGSTOWN — Ex-U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr., considering a political comeback after more than seven years in a federal prison, is considering running in the 6th, 17th and 16th Congressional Districts.

Traficant, who served more than 17 years in the U.S. House before being expelled in July 2002, would run as a Democrat.

There was uncertainty as to what party affiliation Traficant would use in a potential congressional bid.

Linda Kovachik, a former Traficant congressional staffer and longtime friend, obtained nominating petitions today for Traficant at the Mahoning County Board of Elections.

Traficant only needs 50 valid signatures on petitions to qualify for the primary.

Traficant said last week that he expects to decide by late January if he’ll run and in what district. Feb. 18 is the filing deadline for those running in next year’s May primary.

Regardless of the district, Traficant would challenge an incumbent Democrat in the primary should he opt to run.

For the complete story, read Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com