From Deseret News archives:
Utah needs tighter controls on campaign funding
While Democrats across the nation seem energized by the presidential races the number of New Hampshire residents voting in the Democratic primary was much larger than that for the Republican primary Utah will remain solidly in the red-state column in 2008.
One can predict no great changes in the Legislature after the 2008 contests.
But what has changed, new legislative campaign reports show, is the growing number of lawmakers who are carrying huge cash balances.
House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, has nearly $330,000 between his personal campaign account and his Speaker's PAC.
Senate President John Valentine, R-Orem, has nearly $140,000 in his personal account. And Valentine also has access to more cash via a Utah County GOP PAC that he's helped organize and raise funds for. Other incumbents have $30,000, $50,000, even $80,000 in their campaign accounts.
So what else is going on here?
As demonstrated by former Utah House Speaker Marty Stephens in 2000, a big war chest comes in handy in kicking off a statewide race.
Valentine is rumored to be looking at the 2010 governor's race. (Huntsman says he will leave that office then.)
Curtis may be looking at any number of bigger races, including a U.S. House contest in 2010 or 2012.
Top legislative aides to both men are also building up their war chests, no doubt hoping to rise to president or speaker.
The rank-and-file Democratic and Republican legislators elect their own leaders from within their party caucuses, and it helps in those elections if one can donate hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to colleagues in need of campaign cash.
What should really be worrying legislative watchers, however, is what strings may come with large cash donations.
As pointed out in various Deseret Morning News stories over the years, state legislators rarely ever raise any money from their own constituents. By far, most of the cash comes from special interests either from PACs, or businesses or lobbyists.
Recent comments
The only reason why we can't officially call it "corrupt" is because...
Cliff | Jan. 17, 2008 at 9:36 a.m.
I hope the voters of Sandy are not swayed by all the cash that Greg...
I'm concerned | Jan. 11, 2008 at 11:31 a.m.
....I thought the election for Governor was in 2008 and then in 2012....
Funny.... | Jan. 11, 2008 at 9:21 a.m.
- Crash kills Utah County man 1:12 a.m.
- UCAT cheaper education option 1:12 a.m.
- Post office to be named for Rex Lee 1:11 a.m.
- Police probe synagogue vandalism 1:09 a.m.
- New charges added in fraud case 1:09 a.m.
- Mom takes plea deal in girl's beating 1:08 a.m.
- Drug trafficking operation busted 1:07 a.m.
- News yule writing contest starting up 12:59 a.m.
- Alpine District school honored 12:59 a.m.
- Utahns are happy; study says so 12:58 a.m.
- SLC council OKs gay rights policies
- Utah Jazz have a problem at point
- 'Love story' of crash victim ends
- BYU football recruit turning heads
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009
- Prep football: Felt's Facts Week
- 12 Utes return to Texas
- Cougars' defensive hoops clinic
- Wyoming writer amazed by BYU
- Civilians help S.L. officer make arrest
- House passes health care bill
287 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies
242 - TCU showdown has big implications
193 - Senators want food tax restored
157 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119 - S.L. vote pending on gay protections
109 - Pratt pleads not guilty to sex charges
101 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
91
Maybe someone out there can help me understand how raising the state...
Was Kanye invited to this event?
It's a lot of hard work but worth it, like anything else, if you're willing...
I have watched the exhibition games and I have noticed a slimmer JT. He looks...
I am a life long BYU fan and I must say ya it's hurt pretty bad this season,...
Upset of the Year! Wasps 42 JD 35
Some of you are crazy - what's this crush with the Mountain West Conference?...
I have been anticipating this game for weeks. This is as good as it...
I have enjoyed these stars in other films and was looking forward to an...
The pressure isn't on Utah, it's on TCU. Tcu has nothing to gain by beating...
Where are you getting your information about the 23 players that played...

