Ex-Con Former Congressman 'Critical' After Tractor Mishap

Former US Rep. James Traficant Jr., who did time in prison on corruption and racketeering charges, has been critically injured in a tractor accident at his northeast Ohio home. Traficant's wife, Tish, told the Vindicator that the 73-year-old former congressman was in "very critical condition" today following last night's accident on his family farm in Greenford. His wife said he somehow ended up trapped him underneath a tractor he was riding. Traficant served more than 17 years in the US House before being expelled in July 2002, three months after convictions for bribery and racketeering. He spent seven years in prison. After his release, he unsuccessfully ran for Congress as an independent. (More House of Representatives stories.)