Dems hold lead in race for District Attorney

    Next Tuesday voters will be heading to the polls for the general election. Philadelphians casting ballots will not see one familiar name on the ballot – after almost two decades on the job, District Attorney Lynne Abraham is stepping down.

    Next Tuesday voters will be heading to the polls for the general election. Philadelphians casting ballots will not see one familiar name on the ballot – after almost two decades on the job, District Attorney Lynne Abraham is stepping down.

    Listen:
    [audio: 091027lfcandidate.mp3]

    Democrat Seth Williams faces Republican Michael Untermeyer in the battle to become District Attorney.

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    Democrats hold a strong advantage in terms of registered voters in the city, but Muhlenberg College Political Science professor Chris Borick says,

    Borick: If there is one place where Republicans are able to have some degree of success it’s in a position like District Attorney. Republicans with their “Tough on Crime” stance – that is a traditional part of their approach to governing are seen in many races dealing with D.A. or Attorney General positions to have an advantage, an inherit advantage.

    The Philadelphia DA’s office oversees 600 lawyers, detectives and support staff and is responsible for prosecuting more than 75,000 criminal cases each year.

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