Farnese's Connections, Dougherty's Connections. Committee of 70 comments on "street money." DN Endorses Obama; Replay of Debate is Online

The Inquirer is packed with politics today. Democratic state Senate candidate Larry Farnese gets a double-dip in the Inky inkwell. A profile of the Center City attorney by Joseph Gambardello says Farnese is in the race to prevent rival John Dougherty from winning. In the profile, Farnese attempts to build a little distance between himself and outgoing Senator Vincent Fumo, who, according to some, handpicked Farnese to promote as a successor. A front page news story says legislators in Western Pennsylvania have donated a total of $287,500 to Farnese's campaign. The story suggests Fumo orchestrated the contributions.

On the editorial page the Inquirer explores Dougherty's many affiliations (as head of the electrician's union, chairman of the city's Redevelopment Authority, president of the Pennsport Civic Association, a past board member Independence Blue Cross), as well as his relationships with local building developers, and asks: "Given his extensive ties, who, if elected to the state Senate, will he really represent in Harrisburg?"

A nice column by Dan Rubin gets some word from the street about street money and the local political machine in Philadelphia. Committee of Seventy CEO Zack Stalberg adds perspective.

The Daily News endorsed Barack Obama in the Democratic presidential primary.

Prez Debate On Demand: In case you missed the Democratic Presidential debate at the Constitution Center on Wednesday night -- or if you just want to re-live it -- KWY-1060 has an audio-only replay available for free listening here.