WASHINGTON (AP) -- James A. Traficant, a former Ohio congressman in prison for bribery and racketeering charges, has given his approval to supporters to form a presidential exploratory committee.

"The battle to free James Traficant and to evict the Socialists and 'free traders' from the Democratic Party is now under way," campaign spokesman Marcus Belk said. "Someone buy the Washington establishment a bottle of Maalox."

Belk said the group, which announced Friday that it had gotten Traficant's approval, has raised $10,224 in cash pledges made on Traficant's campaign Web site. The average contribution was $71, he said.