Former Rep. Jim Traficant (D-OH) died Saturday after sustaining injuries in a tractor accident earlier this week, local news outlets reported.
A spokeswoman for the family, Heidi Hanni, confirmed to The Vindicator that Traficant died Saturday at St. Elizabeth Health Center. The former congressman had been in critical condition there since he was brought there Tuesday, after a tractor he was driving at his daughter’s Mahoning County, Ohio farm flipped over and trapped him underneath.
Traficant served in the U.S. House for more than 17 years until 2002, when he was convicted on bribery and racketeering charges. He served seven years in prison and was released from jail in 2009.
Farewell, you crazy old man.
Though you made some mistakes, the time you spent representing the people often was dedicated to saying uncomfortable truths to the powerful – which needs to be done more often.
Sleep well.
I will always remember him for the horrid toupee he wore as long as I can remember. He was a character, and always entertaining to watch on the floor of the house
Traficant was THE original reality show.
R.I.P. Traficant!
Thank you for that perspective. I was not politically plugged in during his time so I only heard the scandal side of things.
We all leave a footprint, it’s good to know parts of his footprint made a difference, or at least tried to. The powerful do need to be challenged … often!