I generally try not to mince words when it comes to politics: I am a conservative Republican who sees liberals as shortsighted hypocrites that endanger the American way of life as intended by the Framers of the Constitution. Still, I can't be accused of being closed-minded when it comes to new ideas, policies or people, can I? I submit to you an example of my deference towards Democratic politicians: Simply put, I love Jim Traficant (D-OH). The soon-to-be incarcerated Ohio Democrat effectively kept D.C. on its collective toes for the past 18 years, and his flamboyant manner and three-piece denim suits will not soon be forgotten by anyone who has followed the Congressman.
Jim Traficant came to prominence in the late '70s when plummeting steel prices forced many blue-collar steelworkers in the Mahoning Valley of eastern Ohio to lose their jobs at the mills. As a result of the economic unrest in the community, many individuals had trouble paying their monthly mortgages. The delinquency of payments caused banks to foreclose on many accounts, forcing common, hard-working people out on the streets. The finance industry employed the services of the local police department to help vacate the properties held by the unemployed workers. Mr. Traficant, as police chief of Mahoning Valley, quite literally told the banks to "fuck off," completely ignoring the legal ordinance. Instead of losing his job for acting out of compliance with the law, Mr. Traficant was revered as a hero and instantly developed a cult-like following among everyday people in his town for his strong character and high degree of determination. This image of Mr. Traficant as a true "man of the people" carried the son of a truck driver straight to Capitol Hill in 1984.
Though registered as a Democrat, Mr. Traficant never demonstrated the pretentious attitudes of contemporary liberal politicians. He was never confused as a scholar or academic (it took him 5 years to graduate from the University of Pittsburgh), and he certainly never made any false claims of greatness to his humble, down-to-earth constituency. He simply promised to work as hard as he possibly could to make life better for the people in his district.
Traficant's unique way of doing business caught up with him in the mid '80s when federal investigators accused him of taking bribes and working with the Mafia. With no prior legal experience, Traficant successfully defended himself in court and was acquitted of all charges. Nearly two decades later, the Feds were chasing the Congressman around again. This time they were leveling 10 charges against Traficant ranging from money laundering to forcing staffers to "bail hay" and "clean horse stalls" on his farm in Ohio. Again, despite having received his B.A. in education, Traficant chose to represent himself even knowing that, if convicted, he could possibility receive 63 years in prison. Fortunately for the Democratic Leadership, Congressman Traficant was found guilty on all 10 counts earlier this month. The implications of the conviction are huge; none bigger than perhaps permanently depriving Congress of his bell-bottom slacks and 1950s slender neck tie.
Despite the possibility of jail time, however, Traficant has indicated he will run for Congress in the fall as an Independent. The Ohio State Legislature has completely eliminated his working-class 17th district, forcing Traficant to run against longtime Democratic incumbent Tom Sawyer of Akron. Democrats are salivating over the possibility of ousting two bad apples from the party in two months: Gary Condit in March, and now Traficant in April. Still, some objective observers (including yours truly) assert that the only crime that Traficant has committed was voting for Dennis Hastert for Speaker of the 107th Congress. Dick Gephardt has never forgiven Jim for being the only mule to stray from the stable and has maintained a deep sense of hatred ever since. Mr. Gephardt called for Traficant's resignation hours after the verdict was read. In response, Mr. Traficant respectfully declined the Minority Leader's suggestion, requesting that the Missouri Democrat "fuck off."
While the political future of James A. Traficant is certainly up in the air, his legacy as a loudmouthed legislator trapped in a time long-since past has been concretely established. Traficant's congressional website depicts him with pointy Captain Spock ears, swinging a two by four emblazed, "Banging Away in D.C." No one has ever confused the Congressman with a responsible lawmaker, but he has certainly made lawmakers responsive to the working-class during his tenure. Mr. Traficant will be sorely missed among those who admired his fashionable wardrobe, one-minute ramblings on the house floor and knack for getting things accomplished in his district.
