The study noted that Matheson spent $1,982,502 on the campaign, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spent another $661,236. Swallow spent $1,449,985 on the campaign and the National Republican Congressional Committee spent another $1,002,823 on Swallow's behalf.

That adds up to $5.2 million.

Matheson raised almost three times the $675,000 national average for a House candidate, and Swallow raised twice the national average. Neither candidate ranked among the top 10 nationally.

Matheson's margin of victory — 55 to 45 percent — was nonetheless surprising given the Republican makeup of the district and the presidential coattails, researchers concluded.

But Matheson should not get too comfortable in his seat. Given the Republican majorities, the seat is "likely to remain competitive as Republicans continue to target the only Congressional seat in Utah not firmly held by the GOP," the report states.

But it also will be tough for a Republican.

"Ideology and party affiliation are obviously important, but a smart candidate can use the benefits of incumbency to trump them," the report concluded. "The Utah 2nd Congressional District will likely continue to attract Republican challengers, but they face a daunting task in trying to unseat Rep. Matheson."

The study, led by BYU professor David Magleby, was funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts.

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E-mail: spang@desnews.com