CLEVELAND — U.S. Rep. James Traficant pleaded innocent again in federal court to a revised list of bribery and racketeering charges.

        He also hinted Friday that he may seek to delay his February trial in order to have more time to prepare his defense. Mr. Traficant, who is not an attorney, is representing himself in the case.

        In a confrontational session in federal court before Magistrate William Baughman, Mr. Traficant repeatedly complained that the court was trying to force him into accepting legal help.

        The Youngstown Democrat is facing 10 charges of accepting cash and services in exchange for helping local companies do business with the government. Government prosecutors submitted revised charges against Mr. Traficant in October.

        During Friday's arraignment, Mr. Traficant stopped the proceedings several times to complain that he is tired of the court questioning his decision to defend himself.

        “I have been preached to now for about four months,” he said. “I do not need an attorney by any stretch of the imagination.”

        The congressman warned that with the filing of a new indictment, he may seek to push back the trial date.

        Mr. Traficant was originally indicted in May on allegations he did political favors for businessmen in exchange for free labor at his farm and other gifts. He also faces tax evasion charges.

        In August, James Sabatine, a Canton businessman, pleaded guilty to paying Mr. Traficant $2,400 in August 1998 for help in getting access to a rail line near Mr. Sabatine's asphalt plant.

        The revised indictment expanded the original charges to include Mr. Sabatine's bribery allegation.

        Mr. Traficant said he believes the government is preparing to add more charges to the indict ment.

        “I want to find out what the case against me entails so I can prepare a defense,” he said. “Even a well-trained attorney would be seeking more time to respond.”

        Prosecutors warned the judge in a court appearance last summer that Mr. Traficant should not be allowed to use his refusal to hire counsel as an excuse to delay the trial.

        After the arraignment, Mr. Traficant told reporters that he thinks the government is trying to slow the process so his trial will conflict with the congressional primaries May 7.

        Mr. Traficant also warned if he wins in court, he plans to sue the government for damages.

        “Do I have a right of restitution against my accusers ... if in fact I am acquitted of the charges?” Mr. Traficant asked Mr. Baughman.

        “You have a right to consult counsel,” the judge replied. “It is not the place of this court to give you legal advice, and I am not going to do so.”

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