Campaign contributions in the race for Travis County District Attorney are again coming into focus, as two candidates prepare for an April runoff for the job.

By state law, only the Travis County DA has the power to criminally investigate state officials, a check on the process written into statute to prevent political corruption. 

"The public integrity unit is charged with being a watchdog of the Legislature, and those who would influence legislation, those being lobbyists," said candidate Rosemary Lehmberg, who is the First Assistant DA under outgoing DA Ronnie Earle. 

But as Lehmberg heads into a runoff against fellow prosecutor Mindy Montford, the role of lobbyists in the Democratic race comes into question. 

"It's clear to me that there are some individuals who would prefer to have a Republican in that spot," Lehmberg said. 

With no Republican in the race, the winner of the Democratic runoff will be the next District Attorney. But Lehmberg and her supporters point out many powerful Republicans and Republican special interests support her opponent. 

Campaign finance reports show Mindy Montford has received contributions from former Secretary of State Geoffrey Connor, Republican consultant Bill Noble, former GOP State Senator David Sibley and corporate lobbyists at AT&T. 

"If people want to contribute because they support my cause, then I'm more than willing to have their support, whether they're Republican, Democrat (or) independent," said Montford.  

Lehmberg says Montford's close ties to people in power may hinder independent investigations.

"Unless you can exercise mature, independent judgment on those cases, then there's concern on the part of the electorate," said Lehmberg. 

Montford has said the Public Integrity Unit is important, but that the people of Travis County should also hear about other issues in the run-up to the runoff. 

"Less than ten percent of my report has registered lobbyists donating to my campaign, and I've raised almost $400,000 at this point, and that's why I believe this is a manufactured issue," said Montford.