Traficant announces run as independent

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- James Traficant, who represented Ohio in Congress before going to prison for bribery and racketeering, says he will run for Congress again.

Traficant, who served seven years in prison, says he will switch from the Democratic Party and run as an independent. He missed a deadline last week to file as a Democrat but can still file as an independent.

"I have been a Democrat all my life, and quite frankly I am disgusted with both parties. I hate to say this. My father is rolling over in his grave, a truck driver," Traficant told CNN Tuesday.

"I see the Democrats are completely controlled by foreign interests and big lobbying money. The Republicans are too, but the Democrats more so," he said.

Traficant is considering running either in the 6th or 17th congressional districts of Ohio, WFMJ-TV, Youngstown, Ohio, said.

The 6th is represented by Democrat Charlie Wilson while Traficant's former 17th district seat is currently held by his former aide, Democratic Rep. Tim Ryan, CNN said.

Voting laws for convicted felons vary from state to state. In Ohio, Traficant is legally allowed to vote since his release from prison in September.