Philadelphia D.A. Race Could Get Very Expensive
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Philadelphia Ethics Board has raised the limit on campaign spending for the District Attorney's race.
The Ethics Board has doubled contribution limits because one candidate has already contributed a quarter of a million dollars to his own campaign.
The ethics board normally enforces a limit of $3,000 per individual, and $11,900 from political committees or businesses, but that doubles if one candidate gives himself $250,000 or more, and that's what former assistant D.A. Michael Untermeyer has done.
Untermeyer didn't return requests for comment but one of his primary opponents, Teresa Carr Deni, says she's not worried about the amount Untermeyer is spending.
"This election is not going to be bought. I don't care what kind of limits they raise it. The office is not for sale," she said.
Deni is one of four candidates in the democratic primary. Beth Grossman is running as a Republican.
"Look, that's what the campaign rules say, and I think that will enable all of us as candidates to raise more money so I welcome the opportunity," said Grossman.
Incumbent Seth Williams was unavailable, but a spokesman says Untermeyer's spending will have no impact on Williams' campaign.
Williams has attracted a number of opponents this year, likely in part because of reports that his own campaign finances are under investigation.