VALPARAISO | Porter County Commissioner Carole Knoblock said she does not remember a campaign letter from four years ago stating she would not seek a second term.

The Democrat is in a re-election race against Republican challenger and county Treasurer James Murphy.

"We don't need any more lifetime politicians in search of a job," according to the Jan. 28, 2004 typed letter signed by Knoblock.

Knoblock confirmed her signature, but it is unknown how many people received the letter.

She says elsewhere in the letter she is running because "I strongly believe that elected officials should keep their word to the taxpayers."

Knoblock said from her commissioners office Tuesday morning the self-imposed term limit was not a part of her campaign message at the time she defeated Republican Commissioner Dave Burrus.

"I enjoy the job," she said. "I feel I'm an asset to Porter County."

Knoblock said it is not uncommon for elected officials to serve at least two terms. She said she has work yet to do.

Murphy said it is up to voters to decide whether Knoblock kept her campaign promise.

Murphy is serving his second term as county treasurer. He has served two earlier terms as treasurer, two terms as auditor and one term on the County Council.

Knoblock said 15 days into his current term as treasurer, Murphy made a failed run for county auditor. He is now seeking to abandon the treasurer's seat a year earlier to serve as commissioner, she said.

Murphy said the opportunities for the other offices happened to surface during his current term. He said if he wins as commissioner, he takes a pay cut. If he loses, he goes on collecting the treasurer's pay.