Taylor was executive director in 2000 and 2002. But Dunn let Taylor go in December 2003. Taylor was rehired by the party's new chairman, Wayne Holland, this summer.

"I can't say why" Republicans outraised Democrats in the 2003-2004 election cycle, said Taylor. "You'd have to ask the previous (party) administration." Dunn couldn't be reached for comment.

Taylor says the drop from $1.7 million to $1.3 million from 2000 to 2002 can be explained.

Both national parties targeted Utah's 2nd District in 2000 — the year that then-GOP incumbent Rep. Merrill Cook was dumped by Republicans in a June primary. The open seat in the narrowly divided U.S. House was greatly coveted — spending coming in early and strong from the National Republican Congressional Committee and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said Taylor.

In 2002, polls showed Matheson stronger than 2000. And Taylor says the national campaign committee didn't "come into the race until much later." With less time to buy expensive TV ads before Election Day, the state Democratic Party didn't see as much committee money that year. Matheson narrowly won.

Taylor said one of the study's observations — that wealthy donors may start giving to state parties because they can't directly influence local races anymore through donations to the national parties — is being picked up by Utah Democrats.

Taylor said he can't give details now, "but we are going after big donors" with a new emphasis, both inside and outside of the state.

Soft money passdowns from the national party were outlawed in 2004, giving a truer picture of base party strength. And being outspent by nearly 2-to-1 last year by Republicans is not an acceptable trend, Taylor adds.

Utah Republicans have not seen such a dramatic slide in fund raising. But Jenkins said the trend is still not good.

"Many say parties were created to help get like-minded people elected. And that's harder now. We don't have the freedom or leeway to do what we want with our dollars," Jenkins said.

Political cash can have an impact even in a state that leans heavily toward one party anyway.

Republicans hold every major office in Utah except Matheson's 2nd District. Republicans hold two-thirds majorities in the state House and Senate, as well as control of most county councils or commissions.

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E-mail: bbjr@desnews.com