Although no longer allowed under current legislative drafting rules, in the 1970s and into the 1980s, some lawyer/legislators would be approached by a business or citizen and asked to draft a bill for the upcoming session. He'd do so and then charge the person for the legal work. In some cases, he'd also sponsor the bill. For the most part, such specific conflicts went unreported. Curtis and Valentine said they have never done that.

In the 2004 Legislature there were nine attorneys. Several work for just one boss, such as Sen. David Thomas, R-South Weber, who is chief civil deputy for Summit County. The public knows who that employer is. Another lawmaker/attorney is not currently practicing law.

A review of all nine legislators' conflict of interest forms, filed two years ago, shows that not one of the private-practice attorneys listed clients by name.

Valentine listed "clients of my law firm" as a possible conflict, while Rep. Mike Thompson, R-Orem, a family-law attorney, just listed "attorney" as a conflict. When the form was filled out, Curtis was working for Workman, and lists Salt Lake County government as a conflict. He also lists "various small clients" of his private-practice work, but does not name them.

Daniels himself didn't name clients in his form. But he said "rarely would any client ask" for anonymity.

"I'm not going to name my clients," Valentine said. "I'll declare any conflicts when I vote, as I have done before."

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E-mail: bbjr@desnews.com