Martin Tankleff, freed from prison after 17 years, mulls run for Congress

GARDEN CITY -- A Long Island man who spent 17 years in prison before a court ruled he was innocent in his parents' murder says he's exploring possibly running for Congress.

Martin Tankleff told Newsday he's seriously considering the idea.

He says he has a unique background and knows many people who've been victimized by the criminal justice and education systems.

He earned a law degree last year.

Tankleff was convicted in 1990 and sentenced to 50 years in prison in the murder of his parents. He was freed in 2007 after an appeals court found key evidence in his trial was overlooked.

Last year, he settled a wrongful conviction lawsuit against New York state for nearly $3.4 million. Tankleff first announced his interest in running via Twitter.