PA. Sen. Vincent Fumo dropping out of race, will retire

http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/pennsylvania/20080312_ap_pasenvincentfumodroppingoutofracewillretire.html

PHILADELPHIA - State Sen. Vincent Fumo, one of the longest serving and most powerful lawmakers in Pennsylvania, announced Wednesday he will not run for re-election because federal corruption charges have left "a cloud hanging over my head."

Fumo, 64, is also recovering from a recent heart attack but said that was not the reason he will retire at the end of the year, when his term ends.

"I did not make this decision to retire because of health issues," Fumo said. "I simply do not think it's right to ask the voters to vote for me while there is a cloud hanging over my head."

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Gov. Ed Rendell, who attended Fumo's news conference at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, said it was important that the senator not resign immediately so things can get done in Harrisburg.

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Three other Democratic candidates remain in the April 22 primary: union leader John Dougherty, community activist Anne Dicker and lawyer Larry Farnese.

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This opens the door for John Dougherty to take the 1st district Senate seat. He's easily the most experienced candidate and will do the most for our neighborhoods and city. Johnny Doc has to be the one.

http://doughertyforsenate.com/