Gov. Chris Christie’s re-election campaign is asking permission to exceed New Jersey’s election spending cap to pay lawyers handling subpoenas issued in an investigation of a political payback scandal.

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission has set a hearing for Feb. 11.

Christie’s campaign sent the commission a letter dated Thursday detailing its request.

The campaign says it spent all but about $13,000 of the $12.2 million limit for Christie’s re-election last year.

It says that if the campaign can’t raise and spend more, it cannot pay its lawyers. And without paying the lawyers, it will not be able to answer the subpoenas.

The information was due to lawmakers Monday and the U.S. attorney’s office Wednesday, but the campaign says it has requested extensions.

(AP)