Campaign money in a Council district contest rivals Philly mayor's race

One hotly contested Philadelphia City Council race is proving to also be heavily funded.

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson and challenger Ori Feibush, vying to represent the Second District, have raked in fund-raising totals fit for this year's mayor's race - more than $300,000 each.

The two, who have waged an acrimonious battle for months, rolled out their 2014 contribution totals in finance reports due Monday.

While numerous candidates are vying for Council's seven at-large seats, the Second District, which includes a swath of South Philadelphia and many of the city's Southwest neighborhoods, thus far is the only serious contest of the 10 Council districts.

Johnson ($330,398) and Feibush ($326,000) have raised similar amounts with very different approaches.

Feibush, a real estate developer based in Point Breeze, has donated about $250,000 to his own campaign. Johnson, who grew up in Point Breeze and has pushed for affordable housing there, hasn't given to his own campaign, his filing shows.

The report "is a reflection of our campaign," said Mark Nevins, Johnson's spokesman. "It's powered by the people. And I think, by contrast, Ori's campaign is powered by Ori."

Feibush and a campaign staffer could not be reached for comment Monday night.

The candidates also differ in how much cash they have on hand. Feibush has about $208,000 compared with Johnson's $371,000.

The numbers are sure to rise. Feibush has given more than $250,000 to his own campaign, triggering the "millionaire's provision" that doubles contribution limits in the race.

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@TriciaNadolny