Their generosity is so great - $287,500 in all - that it accounts for half of the money raised by Larry Farnese in the three-way Democratic primary for the First State Senatorial District.

Brian Abernathy, Farnese's spokesman, said the cross-state cash indicated how much is riding on the race, this year's marquee matchup among Pennsylvania legislative contests.

"It shows how important this race is, not just for Philadelphia but for the entire state," said Abernathy. "Folks across the state want to see a strong and ethical leader in that seat."

But political analysts say the contributions are highly unusual and speak to the power still wielded by Fumo - a Farnese supporter - as he prepares to leave Harrisburg after 30 years.

Farnese faces community activist Anne Dicker and electricians union head John J. Dougherty, a longtime Fumo foe, in Tuesday's balloting. The victor will face Republican Jack Morley and independent candidate Joseph Vignola in November.

From his campaign fund, Sean Logan of Westmoreland County, who is considered a Fumo protege, gave the most to Farnese: $100,000. Gerald J. LaValle of Beaver County gave $55,000. He took over as ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee in February 2007 after Fumo stepped down from the post upon his indictment on 139 federal corruption counts.

J. Barry Stout of Washington County wrote a $30,000 check. Jay Costa and Wayne D. Fontana, both of Allegheny, also gave, Costa $20,000 and Fontana $7,500.

A sixth senator, Michael J. Stack (D., Phila.), contributed $75,000 to Farnese.

Stout said that he discussed the race with Fumo and that Fumo encouraged him to support Farnese. However, Stout said that the decision was his alone and that he chose to give after having several conversations with Farnese.

"He is a bright young attorney and has qualifications to do a good, responsible job," said Stout. "He's a person I can work with in the Senate."

Stout said he knew virtually nothing about Dicker or Dougherty, and he acknowledged that giving a check of that size was something new for him. He had never been so generous to any candidate before, and he's been in the legislature since 1971.

Attempts to reach the other senators were unsuccessful yesterday.

This month, 13 of the 21 Democrats in the Senate endorsed Farnese and promised to raise $250,000 to support him.

Some of them said they knew little about the 39-year-old lawyer, but nonetheless were backing him based on a request from Fumo.

G. Terry Madonna, a political analyst and pollster at Franklin and Marshall College, said it was common for legislators to give to candidates from their party, but in the general election, not in the primary, and rarely at these levels.

"Why would they be contributing in a primary if not for the relationships they have with Sen. Fumo?" said Madonna. "The Senate is a club where collegial relationships are built. Sen. Fumo has done enormous favors . . . for these senators."

Dougherty yesterday chided Fumo for misplaced priorities in using his remaining political capital for Farnese.

"It's a shame that Sen. Fumo's last ask of his legislative colleagues was not for their vote for gun control but for money that he is using to attack me," Dougherty said.

Fumo, one of the state's most powerful politicians, announced last month that he was pulling out of his reelection bid because of a "cloud" hanging over him from the federal charges. His trial is set to start in September.

Gary Tuma, Fumo's spokesman, said the senator had not contributed money to Farnese's campaign, nor had he given to the senators who gave to Farnese.

Records show Fumo's campaign committee has donated heavily to another legislative candidate, Christian DiCicco, who is seeking to knock off incumbent Democratic Bill Keller in the primary for a South Philadelphia House district seat.

In all, Fumo's committee has given DiCicco's campaign $145,000 - $90,000 of it coming after the senator abandoned his reelection efforts.

Fumo's contributions make up 70 percent of what DiCicco has raised so far. And in late February, DiCicco's committee lent Farnese $25,000.

DiCicco once worked as a legislative aide for Fumo. Keller, who has served in the House since 1993, is aligned with Dougherty.