YOUNGSTOWN — U.S. Rep. James Traficant pleaded not guilty Friday to corruption charges and, representing himself although he is isn't a lawyer, won a seven-month trial delay.

        “I am comfortable with my defense,” Mr. Traficant told a judge during a sometimes-contentious hearing on whether he understood the risks of handling his own case.

        “Your honor. I'm facing a 10-count indictment. I have an education. I can read,” said Mr. Traficant, who told U.S. District Judge Lesley Wells that it was “asinine” and “offensive” to question his ability to defend himself.

        In 1983, while sheriff in Youngstown, Mr. Traficant successfully represented himself on charges of taking mob payoffs. He later lost a 1987 U.S. Tax Court case on related issues.

        The 60-year-old Mr. Traficant was indicted last week on charges that include racketeering, bribery and conspiracy. If convicted on all charges, he could be sentenced to 63 years in prison and fined $2.2 million.

        Mr. Traficant was elected in November to a ninth two-year term despite his prediction that he would be indicted.

        Judge Wells put the trial date at Feb. 4 and promised to help him avoid scheduling conflicts with his congressional duties.

        Mr. Traficant told reporters outside the courthouse that he will go to court against “the undefeated bureaucrats from Cleveland.”

        “Most Americans fear their government and even Congress doesn't control America anymore,” he said amid “Go Traficant” cheers from several dozen supporters.

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