Former Rep. Jim Traficant, the nine-time Ohio Congressman who spent several years in prison on bribery charges, died Saturday following serious injuries at his farm, his lawyer said. He was 73.
Traficant had been in critical condition in a Youngstown hospital since Tuesday, when an “older-style tractor” he was driving flipped over and landed on top of him as he pulled into his barn, reported NBC affiliate WFMJ. The colorful and eccentric Democrat was known for ending his speeches on the House floor by saying, “Beam me up!” — a phrase he took from “Star Trek.” He was ousted from Congress in 2002 following his conviction on charges of bribery, racketeering and tax evasion. He served seven years in prison.
