PA-13 Democratic candidates dig deep as primary nears

Three of the four Democratic candidates for the 13th District U.S. House seat dug deep into their own pockets to pay for their campaigns, according to federal finance reports filed this week.

Dr. Valerie Arkoosh loaned her campaign $700,000, according to a pre-primary report filed yesterday.  A campaign spokesman said Arkoosh had the cash available and did not take out a loan.

State Sen. Daylin Leach gave himself $250,000 on Tuesday, according to a report filed yesterday.  A campaign spokesman said Leach took a home equity loan to get the money.

State Rep. Brendan Boyle gave himself $40,000 on Wednesday, according to a report filed yesterday. Boyle had already given his campaign $60,340, bringing his investment to $100,340.

Boyle, who has styled himself as the only non-millionaire in the race, criticized Leach for doing "something no middle class family could ever do" with his $250,000 investment.

Leach today continued to accuse the fourth candidate, U.S. Rep. Marjorie Margolies, of violating Federal Election Commission regulations about spending during the primary election money set aside for the general election. Leach filed an FEC complaint late last month.

Margolies' campaign has denied any wrongdoing.  The primary is on May 20.