[mod_python] Persistent socket connection.

Upon creation of a new "session" I want to open a socket to a remote 
server and be able to access this socket throughout the users session 
until he logs our or the session is timed out. 
 
Is there any way to do this?  I've been looking at twisted but would 
prefer a more traditional approach, maybe using mod_python. 
 
I guess the challenge is how do I keep this socket descriptor alive 
between browser requests. 
 
Any somewhat standard facilities to do this in mod_python? 
 
Thanks.