It is a world away from his political career that was defined by his outlandish outbursts, 10 Investigates' Paul Aker reported.

Always contentious, the Democrat never had a problem fighting Republicans or even his own party for a piece of the pork pie.

SPECIAL SECTION:  10 Investigates

"I had a rough time for over 17 years but -- I will tell you what - I brought back over $1.7 billion over formula and took a district that was at 22 percent unemployment down to 7 (percent) and I don't apologize for it," Traficant said.

According to Traficant, his politics are partly what got him into trouble.

"You're interviewing the only guy who was ever targeted by both the Democratic and Republican parties," Traficant said.  "They all wanted me the hell out."

SLIDESHOW: Images From Report

VIDEO: Traficant On The Justice Dept. | VIDEO: Traficant On The Economy | VIDEO: Traficant On His Future

Certainly, federal prosecutors wanted him in prison. They tried him for corruption back in 1983. Traficant represented himself and won.  But in 2002, his luck ran out.  Prosecutors convicted Traficant of taking more than $100,000 in political kickbacks.  He checked into prison and looked over his shoulder.

"I was put first at Allenwood (Federal Prison, in Pennsylvania) and that would seem like low security, but 40 to 45 percent (of inmates) were illegal immigrants and everybody knew I wanted troops on the border. I slept with one eye open," Traficant said.

Then, in September, corrections guards finally released Traficant from the gray walls of prison back into the spotlight. His supporters cheered.

Youngstown residents printed T-shirts and held a benefit in his honor.

Today the man they welcomed home seems about the same as when he left. Before prison, Traficant shot frequent insults at his enemies, including at the U.S. Justice Department.

He still believes the FBI and Attorney General lied and said that the government lies are what convicted him.

"Now, these (expletive) at the Justice Department are going to pay because you got a guy here that doesn't like it," Traficant said.  "Ultimately, they end up paying the Pied Piper."

Traficant would not tell Aker who owes the Pied Piper but claimed that because he was innocent, he turned down a pardon.

"I told them to shove the pardon up their ascot sideways because I would have had to admit guilt," Traficant said.

Now that has served his time, Traficant is living near Youngstown. He has not taken a job yet.  He is getting by on his wife's income as a beautician. 

Traficant also had plenty to say about the economy.

"The only way America can -- in fact -- improve is they have to repeal the 16th Amendment, abolish the Internal Revenue Service and go with a national 25 percent retail sales tax," Traficant said.  "If they do not do this, America will implode."

"The American people don't even control their money.  They're taxed over the head. They're taxed off; they're losing their homes, losing their jobs. And what the hell good is health care, if you don't have a job?"

If that sounds less like an ex-con and more like a political hopeful, Traficant would not admit it.

Traficant said he is not trying to rehabilitate his reputation and said he did not know whether he would run for office.

"Someone in my position, quite frankly, has never come out," Traficant said.  "I think I had the longest sentence in the history of Congress.  I am the No. 1 target they have ever had, both parties."

"If I decide to run, grab your best hold. Strap on your seat belt because I've got some people I want to deal with," Traficant said.

According to the U.S. Constitution, there is nothing that would prevent Traficant from running again even though he was convicted of a felony.

For now, he won't be going far.  Traficant is not allowed to leave northeast Ohio for the next three years because he is on probation.

Stay with 10TV News and 10TV.com for additional information.

©2009 by 10TV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.