According to the official reports, Ohio's James A. Traficant Jr., who spent time in prison for bribery, cheating on his taxes and racketeering, Monday announced his bid to return to Congress.

The (Youngstown) Vindicator has reported that Traficant, elected to nine terms in the U. S. House of Representatives as a Democrat and released from prison last September, filed his nominating petitions to run as an independent candidate in the 17th Congressional District in Warren.

Traficant, who turns 69 Saturday, was coy about whether he will also file in the 6th Congressional District, a legally uncertain gambit.

He said, "You never know with me. I might run in West Virginia."

An Ohio secretary of state spokesman said the office was checking on the legality of running in two districts in the same election, The Vindicator said.

His top priority, if elected, would be to try to get the 16th Amendment to the Constitution repealed. The amendment, ratified 97 years ago, authorized Congress to collect income taxes, Traficant said.

He said, "I will lead the charge to repeal the 16th Amendment to the Constitution and abolish the Internal Revenue Service. I want the Internal Revenue Service to look at me very carefully. I plan to throw you (the IRS) the hell out and give Americans some freedom."

It was further noted by the report that Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Ohio, represents the 17th District and Rep. Charlie Wilson, D-Ohio, represents the 6th District. Both are seeking re-election. The state's primary elections are Tuesday. (With Inputs from Agencies)