CLEVELAND — In the kind of moment that has become emblematic of Rep. James A. Traficant's corruption trial, the pugnacious congressman shouted at the judge this week: “Why are we proceeding? I have to go to the bathroom!”

        Mr. Traficant is blustering his way through court with the same arm-waving theatrics that made him famous in Congress.

Rep. James A. Traficant leaves court recently during his corruption trial (Associated Press photo) | ZOOM |

        Though not a lawyer, the 60-year-old Democrat is defending himself against federal charges he took bribes and kickbacks in cash and various favors from staffers and from contractors who worked at his horse farm.

        Mr. Traficant's polyester suits and the shock of gray hair that sits on his head like a helmet have long been the butt of late-night TV comics. The trial, which enters its fifth week Monday, has featured his dated wardrobe — a three-piece denim suit, bell-bottom pants and a canvas jacket with leather trim on the cuffs and pockets — and a host of idiosyncrasies.

        He has been chastised repeatedly for interrupting, failing to do his homework and piling on objections.

        “Jim is no lawyer. He's getting killed,” said Don Hanni, former Mahoning County Democratic Party chairman and a friend of Mr. Traficant's.

        Some of the congressman's friends and longtime staff members have testified that he bullied federal and state officials on behalf of businessmen who were paying him off. The government's evidence so far includes a briefcase full of cash, letters from Mr. Traficant to government officials, and a delicatessen place mat upon which he wrote a list of tasks he wanted a contractor to perform.

        Mr. Traficant has said that once the jury has all the evidence, it will see he did nothing wrong.

        U.S. District Judge Lesley Wells has frequently scolded Mr. Traficant about his courtroom performance. As the congressman struggled to cross-examine a witness on Feb. 14, Judge Wells said, “These are very long pauses between questions.”

        “This is not really a walk in the park,” Mr. Traficant replied, shuffling through a pile of dog-eared photocopies.

        Mr. Traficant's cross-examinations appear random, and frequently are self-destructive. When confronting an old friend turned government witness, Anthony Bucci, Mr. Traficant asked if Mr. Bucci was afraid of him. Mr. Bucci replied that he heard a rumor that Mr. Traficant had hired a hit man to kill an ex-girlfriend — a rumor the jury never would have heard if not for the question.

        Another afternoon, Mr. Traficant grilled a handyman who said he worked at his horse farm. Mr. Traficant's voice raised to a bellow and he waved his arms angrily as he tried to have the witness describe the difference between a gelding and a stallion.

        Finally, frustrated, Mr. Traficant roared: “A gelding doesn't have a set of testicles, sir!” Several jurors smiled and shook their heads.

        Mr. Traficant could face up to 63 years in prison and expulsion from the House if convicted.

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