Former Ohio congressman Jim Traficant, who served seven years in federal prison for corruption, today officially secured a spot on the Nov. 2 ballot as a House candidate.
It took the Trumbull County Board of Elections less than a minute to certify that Traficant had collected enough signatures to qualify as a candidate for his old House seat, according to The Vindicator newspaper. He is running as an independent.
He will face four-term Rep. Tim Ryan, a Democrat and former aide, and Republican Jim Graham.
Traficant represented the Youngstown area for nearly 20 years before his 2002 conviction for 10 criminal counts, including charges he shook down businesses for favors.
In Congress, he was known for his colorful comments -- the Star Trek line, "Beam me up, Scotty," was a standard refrain during his irreverent floor speeches -- and his unorthodox haircut. He once joked that he used a weed whacker as a styling tool. -(USA Today)
This story really tests my faith in the American political system. In one sense, I think it is great that Americans can be so forgiving and give people second chances. On the other hand, it is considering re-electing someone who committed federal crimes that were directly linked to his role as a congressman. A position he filled with lies and corruption only 8 years ago. The whole thing seems pretty bizarre.
He served the people of the Youngstown area for 20 years and people came to trust him over that span of time, but that trust should have been shattered when he was convicted of TEN criminal counts. The election has not taken place yet, so it is not clear if he will really be able to gain back the trust of the people. He has, however, already collected enough signatures to qualify as a candidate. Which bring me to my next question, should he even be allowed to run for office again? Even if his constituents are willing to give him a second chance, should the government allow it?
One of the greatest freedoms given to us as Americans is the freedom to make our own decisions, whether they turn out to be the right ones or not.
Its like this in America. You have that choice. I think it is in our best interests that we each know the things that these candidates stand for and whether they have had any circumstances that called into question their integrity or ethics. If the people see it and see fit to elect him, it is out of our hands to stop them. They will reap either the rewards of having him as their Representative or the consequences. This is the never ending game of American politics.
ReplyDeleteShould he be allowed to run? Yes. Would it be a smart vote for him? I would have to say no. Truth is, crooks are running rampant around Washington (as I'm sure you know).
ReplyDeleteIf the people want to vote for him, I am sure it will only be a matter of time before he begins taking advantage of his power, because lets face it, prison isn't really a place of rehabilitation :)
Trick me once, shame on you! Trick me twice, shame on me! We'll have to watch and see how this event plays out!
Great topic.
I have no problem with him being allowed to run for office, however I do seriously question the individuals that would vote for this man. If he wins, there could be some serious studies done on the research put behind voting. It would be an interesting poll to see if people knew they were voting for an ex-con.
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