Diane Lazic

Questions or concerns about Political issues or gossip? E-mail me about anything you've wanted to know dealing with politics or politicians and the games they play.
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While most politicians seem to have been intravenously injected with patterns of political behaviors since birth, there are some rare rebels who whether intentionally or not end up (if I might borrow from the always eloquent Dr. Phil) telling it like it is and oh yes, bare it all.

Queens Congressman Anthony Weiner took the stage at a May 7th Comedy fund-raiser. The single, 38 year old was sporting a muscle shirt and did an expletive- laced tough guy routine.

Rep. Weiner did stumble onto the subject of hotties in the House of Representatives. He actually joked about a co-worker he would not mind hooking up with. “I wouldn’t mind having sex with Ellen Tausher,” he joked. “But I’m afraid that it would be like a praying mantis deal and she’d bite my head off.”

Mr. Weiner's choice of subject matter and naming names ended up stunning the audience at the event.

One guest told the Capitol Hill Newspaper, Roll Call: “it was so completely inappropriate, it was shocking.”

Calif. Rep Ellen Tausher had already left the event by the time Weiner had graced the stage. She is also single and commented, ”Let’s hope his pickup lines are better than his punch lines.”

Last year When Rep. Richard A. Gephardt stepped down as the House Democratic leader he sparked debate amongst House Democrats. As it turns out, most House Democrats had no idea Gephardt was still acting as their leader. Weiner’s statement on that subject was "I think the sentiment was unanimous that if we had known he was still in charge we would have fired him a long time ago. So everyone wanted to un-accept the resignation and then dump his ass."

Another lawmaking all-star that is worthy of mention for bold statements is former congressman, current inmate at Allenwood federal prison, James Traficant.

While other politicians had moved up to more sophisticated methods of crime to include campaign donations, speaking fees, book advances and other hidden ways, James has stayed true to old school tactics (paper trails and a suitcase full of cash).

Traficant was convicted on criminal charges of taking bribes and accepting payroll kickbacks from members of his congressional staff.

At one point, the nine-term congressman said he is a patriot who loves his country, but "I hate the government."
The Clever X-representative doesn’t just hate the government but also shared his astute observations about members of the news media. "Many of them are so dumb they could throw themselves at the ground and miss."

Throughout his troubles and his hearings, Traficant appeared optimistic and even made light of the situation.
Traficant commented about possible incarceration "I will take with me a file, a chisel, a knife, I will try and get some major explosives, try to fight my way out."

"And then when I get out I will grab a sword like Maximus Meridius Demidius and as a Gladiator I will stab people in the crotch." (Maximus Meridius was the gladiator Russell Crowe portrayed in the movie "Gladiator.”)

During a meeting of the Committee on standards of official conduct James had this exchange with Sandra Ferrante who was a witness. The subject was whether Mr. Traficant should be expelled from Congress.
Traficant: Were you and I sex partners?
Ferrante: No
Traficant: Why not?

At another point he said, "I would ask the committee not to ask me any questions, because I've got to go to the bathroom. I'm disgusted, busted, can't be trusted."

One of the congressman’s more eloquent philosophical rants was directed at feminine attire:
"Madam Speaker, it started with the training bra and then it came to the push-up bra; the support bra, the Wonder bra, the super bra," he said. "There is even a smart bra. Now, if that is not enough to prop up your curiosity, there is now a new bra. It is called the holster bra, the gun bra. That is right, a brassiere to conceal a hidden handgun. Unbelievable. what is next? A maxi-girdle to conceal a stinger missile? Beam me up. I advise all men in America against taking women to drive-in movies who may end up getting shot in a passionate embrace. I yield back all those plain old Maidenform brassieres and chain link pantyhose."

One esteemed accomplishment that only Traficant has on his resume is the distinct honor of being the only candidate in a race who launched a campaign from jail. Traficant ran as an independent, and did manage 15% of the vote. It was not too surprising that he did lose his jailhouse campaign to retake Ohio’s 17th District congressional seat.

Misunderstood or just occasionally mentally out to lunch, these two gentlemen don’t fit the mold of the traditionally cautious politician. They make politics fascinating in that same twisted way that compels people to gawk at a car accident or the force that keeps wholesome folks tune into tragic, drama filled reality shows.