Staff Blog
BRIEFING: What’s being said with 22 hours to jury selection
Philly Mag
The Betrayal
Jason Fagone takes a rare look at the Fumo family.
More than once, Vince had told Christian that he considered him to be like a son. And now Christian was marrying his daughter, making it official. There was only one problem, from Vince Fumo’s point of view: He wasn’t invited to the wedding.
Inquirer
Fumo’s political and personal lives are both on trial, Emilie Lounsnberry writes.
A powerful Philadelphia politician on trial, defending himself against corruption charges. A turncoat son-in-law, an ex-girlfriend, and a once-loyal consultant, all testifying for the prosecution. A slew of political insiders – maybe even Gov. Rendell – summoned to the witness stand.
These are just some of the likely scenarios when the curtain goes up in one of the most significant corruption trials in recent Philadelphia history: U.S. v. Vincent J. Fumo.
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
The state capitol reporter takes a look at the extent of Fumo’s influence.
“He deliberately amassed power in all corners of the state and in all branches of state government. He had people planted in the bureaucracy in the city, in the Delaware River Port Authority, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and all branches of state government. He helped elect judges and that give him sway in the judicial branch,” Neri said.
“He’s the most powerful senator we’ve seen this generation, and that was with him being in the minority most of the time,” he said.
AP
A recap
Fumo argues that he did nothing illegal and worked tirelessly to serve his constituents in blue-collar, parochial South Philadelphia. He takes credit for securing more than $8 billion in government and corporate benefits for the region.
