70 Questions for Larry Farnese

As part of our spotlight on hot election contests in the April 22 primary, the Committee of 70 has asked the Democratic candidates for the 1st District Senate seat to meet with us for short question-and-answer sessions about the issues and the campaign. We'll present these in the days leading up to the vote. Below is part of our conversation with attorney Larry Farnese. Click here for a fuller version of the Q&A.

70: You're running in a district where Vincent Fumo has been in office for 30 years, re-elected repeatedly by voters. Your opponents recently accused you of being a "surrogate" for Fumo. They meant that as a criticism -- but wouldn't that be what the voters in the district want?

Farnese: My opponents were attacking me before Senator Fumo got out of the race, trying to make up all kind of conspiracy theories. The truth of the matter is that I'm the one candidate in this race that is appealing to every single constituency, all the different neighborhoods. One of my opponents [John Dougherty], when I was in the race with the Senator said that I was in the race [just] to take away votes from him. Well, where? In Center City -- where Larry Farnese ran and almost beat Babette Josephs? In the progressive 30th ward and 2nd ward? In South Philadelphia, where Larry Farnese is a very respected name? My uncle Ben was the principal of South Philly High. We have strong name recognition throughout this entire district. more...