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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- About 84 percent of U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson's campaign contributions have come from the political action committees of businesses, labor unions and other politicians.
The Salt Lake Tribune reported Sunday that House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer and the Blue Dog Caucus are his biggest all-time contributors, followed by six labor unions, Union Pacific and the National Association of Realtors. Each of those PACs has given him at least $50,000 since 1999.
The Tribune reported that the Center for Responsive Politics ranks Matheson third among all U.S. House incumbents for the percentage of PAC money raised.
I pretty much left individuals alone in this cycle, based on the economic situation. I consciously made a decision to respect people's circumstances.
–Rep. Jim Matheson
"I pretty much left individuals alone in this cycle, based on the economic situation," Matheson said. "I consciously made a decision to respect people's circumstances."
Matheson is a Democrat seeking his sixth term. He said the percentage of PAC money raised will likely decline before the year ends. His Republican challenger, Morgan Philpot, said Matheson's reliance on PAC money is a clear sign that he has "gone Washington."
"I don't know how you can possibly take 84 percent of your money from special interests, then turn around and say you put Utah first. It just doesn't make sense," said Philpot, a former state lawmaker. "I think he has completely lost touch."
Philpot has raised about $112,000, less than one-tenth of Matheson's total. More than 80 percent of Philpot's money is from individuals. He has taken two PAC contributions -- one from EnergySolutions Inc. and another from Mitt Romney's Free and Strong America.
Matheson denies Philpot's assertion that the contributions sway him.
"I've said all along, if people chose to donate to my campaign, it is their decision," Matheson said. "It doesn't get them anything."
Philpot said Matheson should be more careful about who he accepts money from.
"I don't think it's healthy to take money from just anyone," he said. "I think you need to show a little discretion when you take from PACs."
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(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
