Vince Fumo

[4][5] Fumo represented South Philadelphia's 1st Senatorial District beginning in 1978 when he succeeded Buddy Cianfrani, who had been convicted of racketeering, bribery and obstruction of justice.

A powerful State Senator, the Pennsylvania Report said that "[i]t is difficult to catalog and characterize all of his tie-ins and tentacles at all levels of government, but having him on your side in a pitched battle rattles opponents.

He also served on the Communications & Technology, Consumer Protection, Game & Fisheries, Rules, & Urban Affairs & Housing Committees.

[8] In addition to his State Senate work, Fumo is associated with the Philadelphia Law firm of Dilworth Paxson LLP.

[10][11] On March 12, 2008, Fumo announced he was dropping his bid for reelection and retiring from public service, citing his federal indictment.

Fumo also suggested that Verizon hire a law firm, Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel, for a three-year, $3 million retainer to handle legal work.

In late May 2006, two of Fumo's staffers were arrested and indicted on charges of destroying electronic evidence, including e-mail related to the investigation.

Charges include using state workers to oversee construction of his mansion, spying on his ex-wife, and work on his farm.

[17] Immediately before the indictment was handed down, Fumo resigned his position as the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee and vowed to fight the charges.

On March 12, 2008, at a press conference at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Fumo announced he was dropping his bid for reelection under stress, saying that the charges against him left "a cloud hanging over [his] head."