Traficant welcome-home dinner a big draw

Traficant welcome-home dinner a big draw
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 11:23 AM

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) - Though the guest of honor may not attend, organizers say they've sold about 1,000 tickets to a homecoming dinner for an ex-Ohio congressman leaving prison soon.

James Traficant has told friends he wants to keep a low profile following his Sept. 2 release. But those planning a "Jim Traficant Appreciation Dinner" four days later in the Youngstown area say even if he doesn't show, they hope the event will build his morale.

Democrat Traficant is ending a seven-year federal prison stay for accepting bribes and other corruption charges.

Event organizer Linda Kovachik, a former Traficant aide, says the suggested dress code for the $20-per-plate dinner includes skinny ties, denim suits and bell-bottom pants - all part of the former congressman's trademark style.

http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/08/26/atraf.html?adsec=politics&sid=101