As six Democratic candidates for U.S. Rep. James Traficant's 17th District seat in Congress work to secure the Democratic nomination Tuesday, four made it clear that though they want the job, their way of handling it will be different from the convicted congressman's.

"He got in trouble with the money. He forgot about the little guy. That's where he blew it," said attorney Maridee Costanzo, 44, of Warren, Ohio, who runs her own law firm in Warren.

"Its a new district and time for a change -- a new face and new voice," said the Akron Law School graduate, who also served as the Trumbull County Juvenile Public Defender for seven years.

Changing how things have been done in the 17th district is also the plan that state Rep. Anthony A. Latell, Jr., 64, of Girard, Ohio, has in mind.

"We need to be able to develop the respect needed for those to take a look at our area for potential growth," said Latell, who was also a state senator for eight years. "I developed respect in Columbus as a Democrat. I hope to bring that part of me to Washington."

State Sen. Timothy J. Ryan, 28, of Niles, Ohio, another hopeful, concurred.

"I think its the best opportunity in 30 years (for this area) to turn itself around," said Ryan, who is the second youngest person elected to the Ohio Senate. "Quite frankly, I don't trust anyone else but myself to do the job."

According to candidate Bryan K. Taafe, 32, of Austintown, Ohio, who owns the Indoor Sports Arena in Boardman, playing politics is not going to provide the changes this district needs.

"It hasn't been about representing the community. Its been about representing special interest groups to finance your candidacy," said the Youngstown State University graduate with a degree in community health. "I see myself as a regular guy staying in office for a few terms then letting someone else be a part of the government process."

"I will always maintain my convictions. Its the people's house and I'll do the people's business," said Mrs. Constanzo. "I don't even want to be called a politician."

The candidates also realize that they have some work ahead of them in Washington D.C. changing the view the capitol may have of this area.

"Jim (Traficant) kind of banged on the system. I want to work within the system to make changes," said Ryan. "Its going to take a whole lot of work."

"That's one of the great challenges we are going to face -- to convince the people in Washington that this is a great place to live, that we have good people. We have to show the good side of this area," said Latell.

Taafe didn't think credibility would be a problem though. "Each person is new. I'm my own man. His (Traficant's) reputation wouldn't stick with me. It wouldn't be a factor because that's in the past."

When asked if they were worried about Traficant's claim that he will run as an independent in the fall election, the candidates made it clear they were not.

"I'm certainly not concerned about some convicted felon running against my seat, God bless him," said Mrs. Costanzo.

"I really can't get past concentrating on Tuesday," said Ryan.

Candidate Thomas C. Sawyer, 56, of Akron, and a congressman for the past eight years, did not return repeated phone calls.

Joe Louis Teague, 59, of Youngstown, and a retired laborer, was unable to be reached for comment despite repeated attempts by the Herald.

The winner of Tuesday's primary will likely face Republican candidate Evelyn L. Stratton, of Worthington.

The only contested state race in the primary election is for the Democrat nominee for state treasurer. That race pits Democrats Willis E. Blackshear, Dayton, against Mary O. Boyle, Cleveland.