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Target: The Senator: A Story About Power and Abuse of Power
As “the Senator,” Vincent J. Fumo was a master politician who reigned for a generation over Philadelphia and the state capitol of Harrisburg, cutting deals and red tape, and bringing in billions of dollars for his constituents. Fumo personified a bare-knuckles, take-no-prisoners style of politics that’s no longer socially acceptable, or as prosecutors would successfully argue, legal.
Since he was convicted in 2009 of 137 counts of corruption, he’s served his time and kept a low profile, granting no interviews. Until now, when he finally tells his story with characteristic bluntness, candor, and insight. Only now, thanks to formerly confidential grand jury transcripts and FBI files, can we dispel the distortions and furor that surrounded the frenzied pursuit of the “Vince of Darkness” by the feds and the media. Only now can we paint the full portrait of a brilliant but flawed and deeply complicated man. And tell the story of how he gained power, how he wielded power, and how he lost it in spectacular fashion. It’s a tale of excess, by both the hunted and the hunters.
Since he was convicted in 2009 of 137 counts of corruption, he’s served his time and kept a low profile, granting no interviews. Until now, when he finally tells his story with characteristic bluntness, candor, and insight. Only now, thanks to formerly confidential grand jury transcripts and FBI files, can we dispel the distortions and furor that surrounded the frenzied pursuit of the “Vince of Darkness” by the feds and the media. Only now can we paint the full portrait of a brilliant but flawed and deeply complicated man. And tell the story of how he gained power, how he wielded power, and how he lost it in spectacular fashion. It’s a tale of excess, by both the hunted and the hunters.
454 pages, Paperback
Published December 4, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 20, 2019
An Excellent Portrayal of a Dynamic Leader
This is a fascinating book about an interesting person. The author is very fair to the subject and sees him through both his assets and his faults. The book is an interesting commentary on the motivations of the press and of prosecutors who wish to claim another scalp.
This is a fascinating book about an interesting person. The author is very fair to the subject and sees him through both his assets and his faults. The book is an interesting commentary on the motivations of the press and of prosecutors who wish to claim another scalp.
February 13, 2025
Very compelling read. Cipriano did an amazing job of bringing the story to life, making politics and corruption feel more like a drama than just another news headline. The way he describes power and how easily it can be abused is fascinating, but also kind of unsettling. It really made me think about the idea of justice and whether it was actually served or if the system itself is just as flawed as the people in it. It’s not just about one politician, it’s about how power works in general, which makes it feel really relevant. Definitely one of the best books I've read!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews