As OhioDaily reported last night, Former Ohio Congressman Jim Traficant held a press conference this morning in Youngstown to announce he'll have something to announce soon.
According to the AP, Traficant said he'd be circulating petitions in three congressional districts to appear on the ballot in 2010. Not only has he not picked a district, he hasn't apparently decided on how to run - as a Democrat, Republican, or Independent.
Traficant's home district is represented by Tim Ryan. Ryan would likely blow Traficant out in both a primary and a general election. Charlie Wilson and John Boccieri are also possible representatives that the AP article suggests could face a challenge from the former congressman who served seven years in federal prison for racketeering, bribery and obstruction of justice.
Plunderbund's Tim Russo, a former Ryan campaign staffer, says Traficant is headed into Charlie Wilson' district.
I say Russo and the AP are wrong. I think he's headed north - into the home turf of his buddy Steve LaTourette. There, Traficant would have (at this point) little if any primary opposition and could possibly tap into the radical tea party fringe you find in pockets of the rural/suburban district. With an anti-government, populist, stir-the-pot campaign, he'd potentially draw off some of LaTourette's base who for some reason re-elect the eight term representative. Would it be enough to win? No. But without a primary, and well within one of the state's largest television markets, it could scratch the attention itch that Traficant has probably been feeling from behind iron bars for over half a decade.
Plus, imagine the debates between the two men known for their controversial remarks, gruff demeanor, shabby dress, and wild hair or beards. Get me a ticket - in the back of the room, please.