Matheson said he appreciates labor's help, but "I vote on every issue the way I think is right" and said he is beholden to no group.

That vote could help politically in Matheson's heavily Republican district by showing he can cross his party and even key supporters if he thinks it is right to do so. "It demonstrates what I mean when I talk about being independent," he said.

Despite slowing donations from labor, Matheson has built up a large war chest to compete against challengers who may appear. Disclosure forms show he had $485,278 in cash on hand as of Sept. 30. In comparison, Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, reported only $70,333 in cash on hand. Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, had even less: $29,282.

So far this year, Matheson has raised $588,815 in total contributions (with $82,500, or 15 percent, from labor). For his 2004 campaign, he raised $1.97 million total; for 2002, he raised $1.46 million; and for 2000, he raised $1.7 million.

While labor has been cool toward Matheson lately, his Democratic House colleagues have not — and are sending plenty of money his way out of their own campaigns.

Reports show that 47 of the House's 201 other Democratic members — better than one of every five — have already donated a total of $48,800 this year to Matheson from their own campaign funds.

That helps show they consider retaining his seat is a key to Democratic hopes of regaining control of the House. Republicans currently hold a 231-202 edge there, with one independent and one vacancy.

Democratic leaders recently declared Matheson's seat among 10 "frontline" House races that it considers most crucial and close next year, urging members to send him financial help.

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E-mail: lee@desnews.com