Former Valley Congressman Jim Traficant, who was released from prison in September, confirmed plans Thursday that he is considering a run for office and that he's been working with a group of Native Americans to bring a casino to the greater Mahoning Valley area.
During a press conference, Traficant said he has a piece of land in mind for a casino and even a "memo of understanding" with the Tribal Associates Group of the Itana Indian Nation.
However, that group, which is bringing together smaller Native American groups under one name, is still waiting for its official tribal status to be verified. Traficant would not say where the land is.
In the meantime, Traficant said he is actively pursuing financing for the $100 million project.
He will help the Itana group with any local issues. But at the same time, he admitted it was an unusual agreement.
"And it has to be because it seems we have to be so unusual and special to make anything happen in our area," he said. "But we'll do that if we have to."
The former congressman also talked about a possible future run for office. He said his press secretary will start circulating petitions over the next few weeks in three congressional districts. He, however, would not confirm which ones.
Traficant also did not say which party he would run for if he decides to make a go for Congress once again.
Valley voters elected him to nine terms in office before he was convicted of racketeering, bribery, obstruction of justice and tax evasion in 2002.
