From Deseret News archives:
Utah politicians also filling coffers for '08 races
The incumbents had to file their second-quarter fund-raising reports with the Federal Election Commission by Sunday. Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, raised the most among Utah's three House members.
From April to June he raised $201,767, bringing his total to $385,017 to date for this cycle. He has $588,439 cash on hand, according to his FEC report, which includes money left from prior races.
The other two House members also raised funds on top of what they had left from the last election. Rep. Chris Cannon , R-Utah, raised $92,535 this quarter, putting his total for the 2008 election at $231,035. He has $85,830 cash on hand, based on the latest filings.
Rep. Rob Bishop raised $23,200 this quarter, making up the bulk of his $29,350 so far this cycle. He has $90,290 cash on hand, according to the report.
"The most important thing now is to show they have the supporters and the war chest to ward off any potential challengers," said Kirk Jowers, director of the University of Utah's Hinckley Institute of Politics.
Jowers said most observers see Utah's three House members as "safe" in next year's general election, but primary challenges are not off the table yet.
Even Utah's senators, neither of whom will be up for election in 2008, are raising money.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, who was just re-elected to another six-year term in 2006, raised an additional $29,430 between April and June, putting his fund raising at $67,047 to date for this cycle, but his cash on hand is at $2.1 million.
Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, who will not have to run again until 2010 as his term expires in 2011, raised $137,350 this quarter, making his total $339,708 for this cycle. He has $184,694 cash on hand.
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