"While we don't do a lot of direct lobbying with legislators," says Webb, "we do have a number of clients, and as a group we want good relations with legislators." Giving as well as sharing poll information is part of that good relations strategy, he added.

Industry's interest

The Morning News also grouped donations according to industry or special interest type — and found that some give far more than others. (See accompanying chart.)

The financial industry — banks, credit unions and insurance companies — combined to give the most: $344,541. That is 13 percent of all money raised from all sources, or about $1 of every $8.

Other top industry donors included health care ($283,575, or 11 percent of all money); real estate ($159,279, or 6 percent); lobbyists/lawyers ($114,368, or 4 percent); and labor unions ($112,486, or 4 percent).

Politicians themselves, especially those hoping to enhance their shot at leadership posts by donating to fellow legislators, provided $89,264, or 3 percent of the total.

For example, Rep. Eric Hutchings, R-Utah, benefited greatly from his GOP buddies. House colleagues who were running for leadership posts gave him $8,850 of the $14,500 he raised this year, a huge 61 percent of his total. The rest of his money came from other special interests, making him one of the 19 "100 percenters."

Some surprises also appear on the list of largest donors by industry. Beer and tobacco companies that are often the targets for "sin taxes" gave $61,226. That was the 11th-highest by industry type, a surprise in Utah and its heavy population of LDS Church members who are taught to abstain from alcohol and tobacco. More than 80 percent of legislators are faithful members of the LDS Church and wouldn't personally use tobacco or alcohol.

In fact, beer and tobacco companies donated more to legislators than did such industries and interests as the food industry, construction, communications, car dealers, advertising groups, transportation, ideological groups (such as guns, abortion, etc.), mining/minerals and the defense industry.

The list shows some in perennial battles give more than others.

For example, environmental groups and leaders gave a paltry $1,500 to legislators. But on the other side, the energy industry, including oil and natural gas companies, gave $87,800; the mining and mineral industry gave $31,100.

Special friends

Every special interest has special friends who receive more of their money than others. (See accompanying chart listing some such recipients.)

Some are not surprising. For example, Sen. Ed Mayne, D-West Valley, received the most from labor unions — $7,900 — which is almost expected because he is president of the Utah chapter of the AFL-CIO union.