Jim Traficant went to prison in 2002 for participating in unethical behavior during his time as an Ohio congressman.

He accepted bribes, filed false tax returns and used aides for housework at his Ohio farm and Washington houseboat, among others. It’s safe to say he used his power to cheat the government.

After seven years in prison, the former congressman was released in September 2009. Traficant didn’t waste any time getting back in the game.

Four months after his release, he announced his run for Congress in this year’s election.

And guess what? The Trumbull County Board of Elections put a convicted felon back on the ballot. All it took was 2,154 valid petition signatures, according to an article printed in the Youngstown Vindicator.

The ex-con weaseled his way back on the ballot, securing a spot for the Nov. 2 election as an independent for his old House seat in the 17th district.

Let’s just hope history doesn’t repeat itself, but we wouldn’t mind saying we told you so.

With the Nov. 2 election coming up, Traficant has a short time to woo the many voters who have not forgotten his mistakes, and maybe even the ones who have.

Although that might be difficult, seeing that his main goal is to repeal the 6th Amendment, which would abolish the IRS, according to an article published in the Vindicator.

Ironic, seeing that his time spent in jail can be partially blamed on his false tax returns.

Will Traficant’s toupee-esque hairstyle and criminal record survive against Democrat Tim Ryan’s six-year run in Congress or even Republican Jim Graham’s, well, first shot at politics?

Probably not, Traficant, but good luck to you if you’re dumb enough to try.

The above editorial is the consensus opinion of the Daily Kent Stater editorial board