A cursory examination of the legislative candidate reports that were available show typical campaign fundraising — most incumbents got the vast majority of their money from special interest groups that will have business before the Legislature.

While the cost of House and Senate races vary drastically, House incumbents tended to spend between $20,000 and $40,000 — with some races by leaders (who historically raise more money in order to give cash to fellow party candidates) topping $60,000.

Former Sen. Carlene Walker, R-Sandy, who lost a bitter fight to Democratic challenger Rep. Karen Morgan, R-Cottonwood Heights, spent $121,000. That is not a record, but shows that highly contested state Senate races often top $100,000 these days.

And spending on legislative campaigns can also be odd. For example, Dee wrote a $2,300 check to Rep. Kerry Gibson, R-South Ogden, to store Dee's campaign trailer sign.

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