It's a key strategy of the group, he noted, to thoroughly research how legislative candidates either vote on housing issues or, if not in office, which candidates purport to favor issues important to Realtors. "In important races we may give more," he said, "although it scares us how the cost of legislative campaigns is increasing."

The Morning News also grouped donations by type of industry (see chart). The health-care industry gave the most ($494,655) followed by the financial industry ($385,678); political party committees ($314,468); and real estate ($261,325).

Some industries appearing on the list may be a bit surprising.

In Utah — famous for nonsmoking and nondrinking Mormons — the beer industry came in at No. 20 on the list, providing $38,750, and tobacco came in at No. 23, giving $35,650.

Special friends

Every special-interest group has special friends. But one member of the Legislature was favored by an amazing number of such groups: House Speaker Greg Curtis.

He personally was the No. 1 recipient from such special interests as the health-care industry (receiving $50,410); the finance industry ($47,050); the real estate industry ($20,881); lobbyists/lawyers ($12,400); the beer/alcohol industry ($4,000); and oil ($3,200).

Curtis did spread the wealth that he received, however, as party leaders often do to help their bids for re-election to leadership offices. He gave $48,000 to other candidates and party arms.

When Curtis was asked why he raised so much from special interests — $265,000 — he said, "To keep my options open." That could include running for a higher office in the near future. (Should Utah get a fourth U.S. House seat, Curtis' Sandy district would be in the new, open 4th District.)

So much special-interest money in legislative races "is a concern," said Curtis. But often special interests offset each other. "Both the banks and credit unions gave to me," and they often oppose each other in legislative fights, he noted.

And legislative races are becoming more and more expensive, so lawmakers seek and accept money from wherever they can raise it, Curtis said.

Finally, Curtis said that if a candidate happens to have sufficient campaign funds, why ask neighbors for needed cash simply to avoid 100 percent "special-interest" giving?

Of note, some groups spread their influence by giving to many, many legislators. A total of 14 special-interest groups gave to at least half of winning legislators.

They include: Reagan Outdoor Advertising (89 of 104 legislators); Micron Technology and the Parsons Behle & Latimer law firm (78 each); Kennecott (77); Merit Medical and Qwest (71 each); and the Utah Association of Realtors (70).