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Only a relative handful of Utah's 91 legislative races this year appear truly competitive when it comes to campaign finances, new disclosure forms show.

That includes just one race where a challenger has managed to outraise an incumbent.

It also includes three races for open seats that have been held by Republicans, but where Democrats have now raised more money than their GOP rivals.

And only in another four or so races have the candidates both raised significant amounts and are close enough in donations to be considered truly competitive financially.

On the other end of the spectrum are 29 legislative races where candidates are unopposed — one of every three — for the Nov. 8 general election. In another five, incumbents face opposition only from third-party challengers.

In races involving incumbents, candidates raised a total of $2.59 million, disclosures show. Incumbents took 79 percent of that amount, essentially $4 of every $5 raised.

Only one incumbent raised less than his opponent.

Rep. LaVar Christensen, R-Draper, a lawyer and developer who has served in the House for 10 years, raised $39,785. His opponent, Democrat Suzanne Harrison, head of the anesthesiology department at Riverton Hospital, brought in $61,924. She still has nearly $36,000 still in the bank that can fund a late push, compared to $22,000 for Christensen.

"I am working hard and think those numbers reflect my support," Harrison said.

"I am a mother of three who is campaigning for better support for our overcrowded schools. I am a doctor, and am concerned about air quality," she said. "I think people are ready to have someone of a different background who is willing to pay more attention to their issues than our current representative."

Christensen is still optimistic, and says he listens to his constituents.

"I frequently meet with and report to the people in our district," he said. "I look forward to further serving the people and building upon our many accomplishments together for the good of Utah."

Adding some intrigue to an otherwise snoozy year are three open House seats that have been held by Republicans, but where Democrats have raised more this year — giving them some hope to cut into the GOP's 63-12 super majority.

In House District 54, where Rep. Kraig Powell, R-Heber City, is retiring, Democrat Rudi Kohler has raised $24,756, compared to $6,963 raised by Republican Tim Quinn through Sept. 30.

In House District 34, where Rep. Johnny Anderson, R-Taylorsville, is retiring, Democrat Karen Kwan raised $35,729, or nearly three times the $12,399 raised by Republican Macade Jensen.

And where Rep. Kay McIff, R-Richfield, is retiring in House District 70, Democrat William Groff has raised $7,430 compared to $4,500 by Republican Karl Albrecht.

"We think that open seats are often a good opportunity to take back a seat, and we have some candidates in those races who are working hard," said Peter Corroon, chairman of the Utah Democratic Party.

He said Powell in House District 54 was well respected, but essentially was forced out by the right wing of his party "and that may rub some voters the wrong way" creating Democratic opportunities.

Utah Republican Party Chairman James Evans predicts his party will still easily hold the rural McIff and Powell seats, but is gearing up for a battle for Anderson's Taylorsville seat.

"We have to work hard to make sure we retain it. But we have a great candidate who is working hard, and we believe we will keep that seat," he said.

Only a few other seats statewide show candidates have raised both significant amounts and are somewhat close. They include:

• Rep. Mike Noel, R-Kanab, who has served 14 years in the House, just barely outraised Democrat Ty Markham by a margin of $13,337 to $12,706.

• Freshman Rep. Bruce Cutler, R-Murray, raised $32,921 compared to $26,852 for Democrat Christine Passey. That is a rematch from two years ago, when Cutler won by a slim 53 votes (after trailing by 152 in initial counts on election night).

• Rep. Jeremy Petersen, R-Ogden, raised $22,875 compared to $17,226 for Democrat Kathie Darby.

• Sen. Allen Christensen, R-North Ogden, raised $40,95, while Democratic challenger Deana Froerer raised $32,868.