Now that state Sen. Vince Fumo has decided not to seek reelection, he's got a hefty war chest to spread among his friends.
Ken Snyder, Fumo’s media consultant, said the senator has about $600,000 cash on hand.
He already started in before he announced his intention to withdraw from the primary, helping out City Council friends Frank DiCicco and Jim Kenney with $10,000 each -- the maximum allowed in Philadelphia. 
Fumo gave out the money in the last few weeks, Kenney said. It’s wasn’t an issue of Fumo liquidating his campaign fund; “It’s a question of us needing money,” said Kenney. With everyone from Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama down to state legislative candidates seeking money, Kenney said, “It’s a tough fundraising season.” Frank DiCicco said one of those candidates, Christian DiCicco (Frank's son) is expected to get financial support from Fumo in his challenge to incumbent William Keller, D., Phila.
Fumo hasn't made up his mind how to spend his money, Snyder said. “It’s his intention to support candidates that he believes in with the remaining money,” said Snyder.
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