It took a while, but Democrats in the Second Ward are regrouping after the death of their ward leader and a nasty fight to elect a successor.

It was led by Buddy Cianfrani, once a well-known South Philadelphia senator who, after a five-year vacation in Allenwood, resurfaced as an even more powerful figure as ward leader and political power broker.

Cianfrani died last July at age 79, from complications he suffered from a stroke in May. He had also been battling throat cancer for some time.

A week or so after his funeral, the ward decided it had to elect another leader since the gubernatorial general election was looming.

Tony Palmiere, who was ward chair and close to Cianfrani, wanted the position; traditionally the ward chair would move up to leader.

However, Councilman Frank DiCicco, who lives in the ward, was interested in becoming the leader. He called for more inclusion of African Americans in the ward.

The ward fight became contentious between committee people, who elect a ward leader every four years.

The ward was divided between DiCicco and Palmiere, and the feud got such recognition that union leader Johnny Dougherty got involved. Dougherty dislikes DiCicco because DiCicco is an ally of State Sen. Vincent Fumo; Fumo and Dougherty are not exactly chums. Dougherty supported Palmiere, who won ward leader.

Pete Fiorentino is on the legal staff for Council President Anna Verna and has been a Second Ward committeeman for 16 years.

Although he supported DiCicco, Fiorentino said that the ward has accepted Palmiere as the ward leader and everyone has to work with that.

He also thought that DiCicco would have no problems being re-elected next year. Apparently, no serious contenders have surfaced.

"I would have heard about someone by now," said Fiorentino. "You have to get out there early if you want to run." He added that he had heard that Vernon Anastasio might be interested.

Anastasio is the chief of staff to State Rep. Babette Josephs and his family has deep roots in Bella Vista, a part of DiCicco's Council district. Anastasio is known for his efforts to make Bella Vista a better community.

It was rumored that Dougherty was going to run someone against DiCicco. He has been blamed for the "Dump DiCicco" signs around town, though he claimed no involvement.

DiCicco blames Dougherty's union, Local 98. He agrees that the ward is coming together.

At a recent fundraiser, Governor-elect Ed Rendell, who is close with Dougherty, said it was important to get DiCicco re-elected.

Fiorentino thinks that DiCicco will have enough votes and enough cash to win the primary.

Fumo raised more then $800,000 last month at a fundraiser for himself, though some of that money is used for candidates.

"But Frank is not without detractors," said Fiorentino, referring to some of DiCicco's more controversial legislative bills, specifically Bill 629, which would have allowed only residents within a two-block radius to protest at zoning hearings. The bill did not pass and the current status is that anyone may appeal the Zoning Board regardless of where they live, as long as they pay city tax.

But the ward has faced other problems since Cianfrani's death. Due to redistricting, Babette Josephs was left with only half the ward. State Rep. Marie Lederer absorbed the other half. The loss affected Josephs' satellite office at Seventh and Passyunk because of funding issues. She has now restructured the office so that she has constituent hours on Thursdays and Fridays.

To pick up the slack, Fumo, DiCicco and U.S. Rep. Bob Brady, opened up a new constituent office at 11th and Federal, down the street from DiCicco's house.

Bobâs Big Boy

Bob Brady can bask in the glow of recent successes. He backed the winning candidate last year when most Democrats were lining up behind Bob Casey Jr.

Supporting Rendell was difficult for Brady while the Democratic State Committee endorsed Casey. Brady is the chair of the Philadelphia County executive committee for State Committee.

Brady was also re-elected for a third term in Congress while he is still the chairman of the Democratic City Committee, a sometimes-contentious job due to the various strong personalities among Democrats.

He will be honored on Dec. 6 at a holiday fundraiser hosted by Democratic Women of Philadelphia at the Swann Caterers in South Philadelphia. Tickets are $40 and include an open bar and a substantial buffet. For more information, contact DWP President Angela Cinquino at 215-465-6282.