February 17–24, 2000

hall monitor

Morley Safer

Monday morning, John Morley emerged from the offices of the Philadelphia Board of Elections declaring victory in a lawsuit that challenged his nominating petitions for the First District Senatorial seat held by State Sen. Vince Fumo. Actually, the lawsuit had been dropped last Friday, but Morley would not be robbed of his moment.

"These kinds of bogus lawsuits are part of the reason there hasn’t been a primary challenger to Fumo in 22 years," Morley said. "Baseless lawsuits and backroom deals have kept him in power. It’s easy to win when you’re the only one on the ballot."

In a telephone interview, Fumo spokesman Gary Tuma was unfazed by Morley’s tirade.

"We have no response to those comments," Tuma said. "None whatsoever."

Some of Morley’s petition signatures had been challenged by three First District committee people with ties to Fumo. Asked why the suit was dropped, Morley resumed his argument with new zeal.

"They dropped it because they knew I would win," he said. "It’s just a scare tactic, really, a way for an incumbent to shake up a challenger before the race begins. Listen, during the nominating period, I personally knocked on 400 doors in the district and do you know how many people said they were loyal to Fumo? Ten! Ten people said they wouldn’t sign my petition because they’re Fumo voters. The people are ready for a change, and a choice. On April 4, the voters will finally have their say. Then we’ll see how strong Fumo is."

—Daryl Gale