"Do you really believe if we replace a bunch of corporate Republicans with a bunch of corporate Democrats, that anything meaningful is going to change?" the statement asks. "This has to stop. It's that simple."

With the Iowa caucuses only days away, Nader issued the "New Year's Message" in conjunction with Anderson - who leaves office Jan. 7 - and Matt Gonzalez, former president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

The joint statement cited a June 26 Fortune magazine article, "Who Business Is Betting On," saying Clinton has ''what is probably the broadest CEO support among the candidates,'' including former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Clinton's campaign did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Salt Lake City's maverick mayor is no stranger to unleashing his opinions before a crucial vote. Just before the September primary, he questioned County Councilwoman Jenny Wilson's candidacy to replace him as mayor. She lost.

Days before the November election, Anderson faulted a proposed $192 million public-safety bond. It, too, went down.

On Monday, Wilson, who sits on Clinton's Utah steering committee, characterized Nader as a spoiler whose comments are off the mark. "There he goes again," she said.

Although Wilson saw Anderson's criticism of her campaign as sexist - the mayor argued that parents of young children shouldn't hold demanding political offices - she said she did not believe remarks aimed at Clinton should be seen that way.

But Wilson noted that Anderson, like the New York senator, has sought corporate campaign contributions. "It's hypocritical in my mind for someone who has taken thousands from corporations to make that statement."

All the major presidential candidates are raising tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions , according to the rules established by Congress, Wilson said. "Until Congress passes meaningful campaign-finance reform, she's got to play by the rules of the game."

Anderson acknowledged Monday that he has sought corporate funding. But, unlike Clinton, he said, he is not beholden to corporate interests.

"My point is, it's important we push Democratic leaders to return to their fundamental Democratic roots."

It is not unusual, Anderson said, that he would try to impact the Iowa caucuses. "I've been very outspoken about the current president." Anderson, who backs New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's bid for the Democratic nod, has called for President Bush's impeachment.

Anderson noted that his son, Luke Anderson, worked on Clinton's senatorial campaign and continues to support her.

In a Monday interview, Nader said Clinton is by far the worst of the leading presidential candidates when it comes to snuggling up to big business, even turning a blind eye to irregularities in government contracts for large defense contractors.

"Hillary Clinton sits on the Armed Services Committee, yet she will not take the lead" probing those deals, Nader said. "She has signaled she won't go after graft and corruption."

csmart@sltrib.com