Similarly, outgoing Senate president and real estate broker Al Mansell received the most of any sitting lawmaker from the real estate industry — $10,000. (A losing Realtor got $25,000 in 2004 from the real estate industry.)

And Alexander pushed a bill, favored by banks, that would have taxed profits by large credit unions. Not surprisingly, he received the most from the financial industry (mostly from banks) — $17,450.

Others were a bit more surprising. For example, Sen. Peter Knudson, R-Brigham City, an orthodontist and a member of the tobacco-abstaining LDS Church, received the most of any legislator from tobacco industry interests: $1,700.

"I've never done anything for tobacco, and I've always supported tax increases on them," said Knudson. "I never asked them, or any lobbyists, for money. My position is I am strongly anti-tobacco. I don't support it in any way, shape or form. . . . I think the world would be better without it." He added he has no idea why the companies donate to him.

So why does he accept their money?

"I take it and donate it to groups like the Ogden Rescue Mission or the American Cancer Society," he responded. "I figure that's the only way that money would be put to that use."

When it comes to tobacco money, he said he follows advice speakers of the U.S. House used to give to freshmen about lobbyists: "Take their money, eat their meals and vote against the rascals."

Money from home

Not only are Utah legislators receiving most of their money from special interests, but little of the money that they do receive from "real people" comes from those living in their legislative districts.

In fact, the Morning News found that a total of 35 legislators (one of every three) received no money at all from residents of their districts.

Nine of every 10 received less than 10 percent of their donations from district residents.

Only one of Utah's 104 legislators received a majority of his money from residents of his district: Sen. Greg Bell, R-Fruit Heights. He received 59.2 percent of his money from them.

No one else was even close. The next highest recipient of money from their own district was Rep. LaVar Christensen, R-Draper, with 31.1 percent.

Says McGee: "It's important to raise money from individuals, both inside and outside of my district. Participation is what democracy is all about."

Is influence bought?

Some worry that special interests are buying too much access and influence with their money. Others disagree.