[Tutor] Replacing "source" in Bash Scripting

[James]

Hi.

I'm re-writing a rather complex bash script I've been using for years  
in Python.  The bash script uses a relatively simple configuration  
file in order to get pertinent information before it runs.  The  
configuration file is relatively simple: about 30 variables are  
defined in this manner in the config file:

VARNAME=value

In the bash script I simply "source" this configuration file and the  
script runs merrily using those variables defined in the  
configuration file.  i.e.,

"source configFile"

I'm trying to implement similar behavior in a Python script,  
specifically having a configuration file (with a list of variables  
and their values defined) that my Python program will read once  
running.  I'm not really sure what the best way to implement this is.

Ideas?

Thanks!
.james