By Joseph A. Gambardello, The Philadelphia Inquirer Apr. 24--A strong showing in Center City and the gentrified wards bordering downtown propelled lawyer Larry Farnese to victory over blue-collar power broker John J. Dougherty in the Democratic primary for State Sen. Vincent J. Fumo's seat.

By Joseph A. Gambardello, The Philadelphia Inquirer Mar. 13--State Sen. Vincent J. Fumo's decision not to seek reelection after 30 years in office blows wide open the Democratic primary race for his seat.

By Bob Warner, Philadelphia Daily News Feb. 1--For state Sen. Vince Fumo, facing the toughest re-election race in his 30-year career, December was surprisingly quiet for fundraising.