Legislators raised nearly $2.7 million total in their most recent races. Of that, $2.2 million — or 81.5 percent — came from special interests. (The newspaper looked at the 90 legislative winners this year and 14 senators whose last victories were in 2002.)

"Certainly, as an incumbent it is easiest to ask people who lobby (you) for money. Some (legislators) don't even have to ask. They have a safe seat, (special interests) know that, and the legislator just takes what comes in," Becker said — showing why so much cash comes from special interests.

Outgoing Senate President Al Mansell, R-Sandy, said he did not "have to actually ask for money during my last two elections," and all he needed flowed in from special-interest groups without solicitation. He said many incumbents enjoy the same benefit.

For its study, the Morning News defined special interests as corporations and their officers, trade and union associations, lobbyists and others with agendas at the Capitol.

Political party PACs that give money to candidates were also included because the PACs in turn receive most of their money from special interests. For example, the Utah House Republican Election Committee, the Republican Senate Campaign Committee and the Utah State Senate Democrats each received 98 percent or more of their money from special interests.

Senators raised an average $46,830 for their last races — and, on average, special interests donated $39,806 of it (85 percent).

House members raised an average of $17,807 — with 80 percent of it ($14,174) on average coming from special interests. (See accompanying charts for member-by-member totals and percentages.)

Running a tab

Twelve of every 13 Utah legislators collected at least half their campaign money from special interests — and most receive far more than than that.

In fact, 28 (or one of every four legislators) received 99 percent or more of their money from special interests.

A total of 62 (or three of every five) received 90 percent or more from special interests.

A total of 79 (three of every four) received more than 80 percent.

Only eight legislators (or one of every 13) received less than half their money from special interests.

The legislator who took the least, by percentage, from special interests was Rep. Roz McGee, D-Salt Lake, who faced stiff races in 2002 and 2004. Special interests provided only 19.8 percent of the money she raised this year.