No senate return for Fumo

Preparing to defend himself this fall against a massive federal corruption indictment, state Sen. Vince Fumo (D-Philadelphia) said Friday that he would not return to the senate floor before his term ends, The Inquirer reports.

His announcement, made during a holiday session on the chamber floor, was not unexpected, as Fumo is marshalling considerable resources to fight the 139-count indictment. He is accused of, among other things, using taxpayer money for political purposes. He has denied any wrongdoing.

"I will miss it terribly. I spent half my life here and I spent it here with every fiber in my body," the 30-year incumbent said. "I've loved it, I've hated it. I've had great experiences and very sad ones."

When announcing in the spring that he would not run for reelectio, Fumo said he was finishing out his term at the behest of Gov. Ed Rendell.

Democrat Larry Farnese is running against underdog Republian Jack Morley in the fall to replace the iconic South Philadelphia politician.

"I was always taught that to whom God gives the most, he expects the most," Fumo said. "I've been given a lot. I hope I've given back a lot."