Fumo defended
Your recent editorial asking state Sen. Vincent Fumo to resign immediately reveals a misunderstanding both of the legislative process and of Sen. Fumo’s current status. On the final session day before summer recess, Senator Fumo bid goodbye to his colleagues in Harrisburg, because he was unsure if he would have another opportunity in the fall.
He did not say he was going to stop working.
Sen. Fumo is continuing to do his job in his district office in July and August, just like the other 252 members of the Legislature.
He has several significant projects that he is still trying to bring to completion, and a staff working under his direction on the day-to-day tasks that are part of being a Senator.
Come September, he intends to cast votes on behalf of his constituents as permitted under Rules of the Senate.
When not in the courtroom during the four weeks this fall that the Legislature is scheduled to be in session, Sen. Fumo is permitted to vote pursuant to legislative leave status.
Even when not casting votes, Sen. Fumo will represent his district on several important public policy matters, including extension of electric rate caps, the location of casinos in Philadelphia, and economic development initiatives.
Sen. Fumo is not running for re-election.
Unlike other candidates, including two United States Senators running for president, he won’t have to devote any time to campaigning this fall.
With voters due to choose his replacement in November, it would be costly and impractical to schedule a special election to fill his seat for the interim.
If he were to take your suggestion and resign now, the people of his district would be left totally without Senate representation.
Gary Tuma
Press Secretary, Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee