In other words, he has a machine behind him and instead of battling mano a mano with Fumo until the April 22 primary, as had been expected, he can press his message of being an agent of change with a record of getting things done.
But Fumo's departure has created another set of variables that could benefit either of the other two candidates in the race, Center City lawyer Larry Farnese and progressive activist Anne Dicker.
Neil Oxman, a political consultant working with independent candidate Joseph Vignola, said the three remaining Democrats all had strengths: Dicker could draw support from reformers, Dougherty from labor households, Farnese from Center City voters.
"I think the race is very fluid," Oxman said. "Before everything was about Vince; he was everybody's foil. Now, I think this thing is completely open."
Among the new variables are potential endorsements.
Fumo's decision means Democratic ward leaders, who had backed the senator in the primary race and are crucial in get-out-the-vote efforts, will have to meet again to select another candidate.
Gov. Rendell, who also was in Fumo's corner, is now free to back someone else, and Mayor Nutter no longer runs the risk of offending the city's most powerful champion in the state Senate by endorsing an opponent.
And there is Fumo himself.
Mitchell Rubin, a Fumo ally and chairman of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, said it would surprise him if Fumo did not take an interest in the race.
"I don't think it's possible for someone who has represented the district for 30 plus years not to care who succeeds him," said Rubin.
Most signs, including a mention in his departure speech to passing the torch to "new, young leadership," point to Fumo backing Farnese, 39, whose family is linked to the senator.
One Fumo friend and supporter, City Councilman James F. Kenney, said yesterday he was endorsing Farnese because he offered the promise of "new and fresh" leadership in Harrisburg.
