WASHINGTON (AP) -- Jailbird James Traficant appears to be eyeing the West Wing.

A group called "Draft Traficant for President 2004" communicated with the imprisoned former Ohio congressman by mail and received permission to start a campaign. They filed a signed "Statement of Candidacy" form with the Federal Election Commission this week.

"Myself and several of my friends were thoroughly dissatisfied with the current choices in the Democratic field," said Marcus Belk of Jersey City, N.J.

The group says it plans to get Traficant's name on ballots for primary elections and raise $100,000 to qualify for federal matching funds.