"It's hard for me to understand why the individuals who gave money to Marriage Education Initiatives, couldn't have just given money to Utahns for a Better Tomorrow," McCoy said. "It makes me suspect this money was from out-of-state conservative interests."

Thom Roberts, assistant attorney general, said that in general, such investigations involve "looking at what documents they filed and whether what they filed complied with their duties under the law," Roberts said. "Some complaints might include other allegations."

Roberts said violations such as failing to file a campaign finance report, or not listing some expenditures, would be considered a violation, as would attempting to hide omissions.

Roberts said violations would be considered Class B misdemeanors, which carry a penalty of up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

"It's unlimited, and it's unregulated," McCoy said . "Two weeks before the election, this corporation is incorporated, and funnels half of all of Utahns for a Better Tomorrow (donations.)"

The investigation is one of three the Attorney General's office is looking into regarding campaign finance practices, Roberts said. He did not know when those investigations would be resolved.

Earlier this month, Sen. Al Mansell, R-Sandy, filed a letter of complaint against the Truth In Politics political action committee, requesting an investigation into the group's "activities." Less than a week before the election, the group was responsible for more than $100,000 in Salt Lake County-wide mailings to voters targeted at Republicans, including "Salt Lake County Hall of Shame."

In December, Education Excellence Utah filed a complaint alleging the National Education Association's Ballot Fund is an unregistered political issues committee that continually violates the Voluntary Contributions Act.

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com