PHILADELPHIA — A wealthy, powerful state senator deployed staffers as personal assistants who spied on his ex-lovers, chauffeured his children, oversaw mansion renovations and performed myriad other chores, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.

Sen. Vincent J. Fumo, 65, of Philadelphia, a longtime Democratic powerbroker, operated out of "greed, power and a profound sense of entitlement" as he spent $3.5 million of "other people's money" — from the state and two nonprofits — to live his lavish lifestyle, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Pease said.

But lawyers for Fumo, in their first extensive defense of the 139-count indictment, told jurors that Fumo and his staff worked tirelessly for the state and his Philadelphia district.

"His staff doesn't even call themselves Democrats ... they're 'Fumocrats.' They're part of Fumo World," defense lawyer Dennis Cogan said.

Cogan argued that the chores Fumo's staff performed helped make him a more effective senator, and were thereby legitimate under Pennsylvania law. They also said the staffers often did the extra work on their own time, after putting in a full day's work — if perhaps at odd hours — for the senator.

Fumo, likewise, worked 24/7 for his constituents, rendering it impossible to differentiate between his private and work lives, Cogan said. "When you work like he works, it's inextricably intertwined," he said.

Cogan also noted that Senate rules are vague to the point of being nonexistent about what staffers can do to help their boss.

However, the government's lead witness, Senate Chief Clerk W. Russell Faber, testified that senators cannot use their staff on state time to perform tasks like the ones alleged in the indictment.

"What if the senator came to you and explained that this would make him a better senator?" Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Zauzmer asked.

Faber shook his head "no."

"Presumably, that person is realizing some financial relief" by not paying maids and other laborers, Faber said. The Senate ethics rule, passed during Fumo's tenure, prohibits senators from accepting any private pecuniary benefits.