Ex-con Congressman Calls Congress 'a Big Whore House'

Capitolists, sometimes in life a convicted felon, a hair piece, and a television camera come together to make magic. Last night was one of those times.

While we gather important research for our next Capitolist expose on the inner workings of Congress, why don't you enjoy former Rep. Jim Traficant, a nine-term congressman from Ohio, unloading on his former House colleagues on last night's Hardball for the first time since his release from prison this month after serving seven years.

Traficant insisted to Chris Matthews that he was "not guilty in any way," of the charges of bribery, racketeering, and tax evasion, he was convicted on. He also added that since getting home from prison, "I still have federales swarming around me."

Although he was a Democrat in Congress, he now says of the House leadership, "I've never seen such weak leadership in my life." He added that Congress is "a big whore house" that "needs to start taking care of America."

Traficant said he "may well" run for Congress in the future, however. On his agenda if he were re-elected: Addressing the trade deficit ("Our trade deficit is $700-plus billion dollars. Beam me up!"), creating jobs, repealing the 16th Amendment, which allows Congress to levy an income tax, and reforming the Internal Revenue Service ("I want to get the IRS and kick them in the crotch real good.")

He also said there may be "a possible movie" in the works.

Frankly, no words can capture the true essence of Jim Traficant, Newly Free Man. For that, you'll have to watch the video below for yourself.