Fumo Throws 'Engagement' Party

PHILADELPHIA - It was a last hurrah of sorts Wednesday night for Vince Fumo in South Philadelphia.

The former state senator invited 350 friends to a banquet hall, Popi's Italian Restaurant, for a big send-off.

It was also a party to celebrate his engagement, and it fueled speculation that he may have married his girlfriend, Carolyn Zinni, although Fox 29 did not find any marriage license at City Hall on Wednesday.

Fumo is just two weeks away from an Aug. 31 deadline to report to prison.

According to an invited guest, the invitation read, "At the end of every storm, there are calm seas. Please join us as we celebrate our wedding engagement and share well wishes for Vince."

The embattled former legislator, who was convicted on 137 counts in a federal corruption trial, told Fox 29's John Atwater outside the event: "It's a celebration of our engagement. And we're turning a page in the book and starting a new chapter. And, you know, what I have ahead of me doesn't make me happy, but it's something we're prepared to live with and go forward and just get on with our lives.

Many politicians and friends headed into the invitation-only event.

Among them was City Councilman Frank DiCicco, who told reporters, "I don't abandon my friends when they're in trouble, and Vince has been my friend. He's been good to me and the people I represent."

Council President Anna Verna said, "I'm happy that he's gotten a very lovely, lovely girl."

It's still not clear if Fumo will report to prison in two weeks to begin serving his 55-month sentence, which was just a fraction of the 15 years prosecutors sought.

A judge is still considering a motion to keep him out of federal prison during the appeal process.

Prosecutors are also appealing the sentence.

At Wednesday night's event, Fumo blasted critics who said he's not paying for his alleged crime, saying, "Well, I'd like those people to come and join me for half of my time and then get their assessment."

A half-dozen security guards ushered Fumo into the event and kept the media outside. It made for one more spectacle in a career that, despite a conviction, many in Philadelphia have come to admire.

"I'm losing a friend," said state Sen. Tina Tartaglione, of Philadelphia. "I mean, I served in the Senate with Vince for 15 years, and we became good, good friends, you know? I know his family. I know his daughter. That's what's going to make it difficult."

The restaurant closed by 3 p.m. for the event, and the party wrapped up by shortly after 10 p.m.