DA Candidates make their cases

Philadelphians trying to figure out who to support as the city’s next District Attorney, may have found some answers at the National Constitution Center last night. All six candidates vying for DA argued the issues.

Philadelphians trying to figure out who to support as the city’s next District Attorney, may have found some answers at the National Constitution Center last night. All six candidates vying for DA argued the issues. One topic was criticism the current DA has received for not aggressively pursuing municipal corruption cases.

Listen:
[audio: reports20090415da.mp3]

Democrat Seth Williams says the list of endorsements he’s received won’t stop him from going after those groups, if they break the law.

Williams: When I was the Inspector General of the city of Philadelphia I had to investigate corruption fraud and waste and I did just that. I made some political enemies but I wasn’t afraid to do that because I had to do what I thought was right.

Democratic candidate Michael Turner said vigorously prosecuting municipal corruption is a hallmark of his campaign for DA. Turner says he’s not seeking endorsements or money from elected officials, or political action committees.

The other candidates Democrats Brian Grady, Dan McCaffery, and Dan McElhatton and Republican Michael Untermeyer debated punishments for non-violent offenders and how they’ll cope with budget cuts to the District Attorney’s office.

The primary is May 19th.