Utah was not a big money state for presidential candidates, who received only $122,000 in 1995 from residents contributing $200 or more.
In fact, an Associated Press computer analysis of data from the Federal Election Commission indicates the amount of money candidates raised in Utah was far less than in neighboring states of similar populations.In Nevada, for instance, major presidential candidates raised more than $650,000 from big donations - those over $200. They got about $164,000 in New Mexico.
Democrats and Republicans cite a variety of reasons for the scanty contributions. But the fact neither party plans a presidential primary this year is probably the largest factor.
"I guess conversely a lot of contributors wait until they know who the candidate is," said Russ Behrmann, executive director of the Utah Republican Party.
Many residents, he said, contribute to national funds such as the Presidential Trust or Victory '96 instead of individual candidates. Money from those funds goes to the presidential nominee, most likely decided by Eastern states long before Utah gets a say.
Utah residents also do not have the same opportunity to give to national candidates who tend to focus their dash for dollars on states like Texas, New Hampshire or New York, where fund-raising efforts could bring a primary win.
"Your big-dollar donors want to press the flesh, have their photo taken," Behrmann said. "They are more likely to donate at an event where candidate appears."
That may be one reason Lamar Alexander received more money from big donors in Utah than any other candidate.
Alexander visited the state several times and raised more than $32,250 from donors of $200 or more in 1995. Front-runner Bob Dole came in second with $29,050, followed by President Clinton at $23,750.
Ted Wilson, head of the University of Utah's Hinckley Institute of Politics and honorary co-leader of the Clinton-Gore campaign in Utah was was pleased with Clinton's showing.
Clinton placed third in Utah in 1992, the only state the president lost to independent Ross Perot. "Now, he is the president of the United States, and most pundits think he is likely to repeat," Wilson said.
Wilson also chalked up the skinny contributions to Utah's conservative nature. "Utah is so Republican that neither side feels like it is really competitive," he said.