Jimbo's congressional run in limbo

Ex-U.S. Rep. James A. Traficant Jr. did not file nominating petitions by today’s deadline to run in the Democratic or Republican primary for a congressional seat.

Traficant has repeatedly said he was giving consideration to running for either the 17th or the 6th Congressional District.

“If he does want to run his only option is as an independent,” said Dennis Malloy, Traficant’s communications director.

The deadline to file as an independent is May 3, a day before the primary.

Traficant served 17 years in Congress before being expelled in July 2002. He served seven years in federal prison for bribery, racketeering, tax evasion and obstruction of justice. He was released in September 2009.