Indicted congressman to run for re-election

Rep. William Jefferson (D-La) leaves U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia after arraignment proceedings against him in Alexandria, Virginia June 8, 2007.

NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) - Democratic Rep. William Jefferson, who faces bribery charges over $90,000 found in his freezer, said on Tuesday that he plans to seek re-election.

"I will run for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives this fall," Jefferson, who has pleaded not guilty, said in a statement.

His sister, brother and niece also face various charges.

Jefferson, a congressman since 1991 whose district includes New Orleans, was charged last year with racketeering, soliciting bribes for himself and his family, fraud, money laundering, obstruction of justice, conspiracy and violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

He was accused of soliciting millions of dollars in bribes from nearly a dozen companies while using his office to broker business deals in Africa.

In a search of his home, FBI agents said they found $90,000 in bribe money in his freezer. He has pleaded not guilty.

"The fact that I am the target of an overly zealous prosecution has not prevented my delivering for our district and our state," Jefferson said in his statement.