Anti-casino activist will challenge Fumo Anne Dicker said her campaign against the powerful state senator, facing federal trial, "revolves around integrity."

Political activist Anne Dicker said yesterday that she would challenge State Sen. Vincent J. Fumo in the Democratic primary next year, betting that Philadelphia voters' appetite for change could help defeat an incumbent weakened by scandal.

Fumo has represented South Philadelphia's First District for nearly three decades, but is facing trial in February on federal charges that he misused Senate staff and two charities for personal and political gain.

Dicker, who got her political start in the Internet-driven 2004 presidential campaign of Howard Dean, let her intentions out of the bag by launching a Web site on Wednesday. The site includes a button for potential donors to click on, and lays out Dicker's campaign principles, including a pledge to "restore a culture of open, honest, fair and ethical hard work for the benefit of all" people in the district.

"Every real issue in the campaign revolves around integrity," Dicker said yesterday in an interview. "How can this guy continue to stay in office when he's accused of having done so many wrong things against the community?"

Fumo, however, intends to beat what he sees as a politically motivated indictment - and to win reelection as well.

"He had opponents four years ago and he expected he'd have opponents this time around; that's what democracy is all about," Fumo spokesman Gary Tuma said. "Right now, he's focused on doing his job."

In recent weeks, Fumo helped win a $5 million annual appropriation for a gun-law-enforcement task force. He also drew up a transportation funding program to provide $20 million for free SEPTA passes for city schoolchildren, a deal announced earlier in the week with Gov. Rendell.

"It's amazing how motivated you can be when you are looking at a 139-count indictment and possible jail time," Dicker said.

Dicker has been a leader in South Philadelphia neighborhood groups fighting a casino proposed for the Delaware waterfront. Last year, she finished a close second in a primary battle for a state House seat against two experienced politicians.

Other potential candidates have said they are considering a bid for Fumo's seat, including Vern Anastasio, a former Redevelopment Authority attorney who lost a primary challenge earlier this year to City Councilman Frank DiCicco, a Fumo protg. Anastasio is also active in the anti-casino movement.

John Dougherty, leader of Local 98 of the electricians' union, has said he would take a look at the race only if Fumo decides not to run.

Contact staff writer Thomas Fitzgerald at 215-854-2718 or tfitzgerald@phillynews.com.