Project Vote Smart asked each of Utah's 244 state and federal candidates in 2004 to fill out the survey, which includes questions on abortion, the economy, education and health care. Results are published in the group's annual online voter guide f+bhttp:// www.vote-smart.orgf-b a library of candidate biographies, issue positions, voting records, campaign finances and interest group ratings.

Only a quarter 61 Utah candidates responded, tracking a "disturbing" national trend of nonparticipation in meaningful forums, says Adelaide Elm, a professional historian and the group's senior adviser.

"All we are asking is for candidates to step away from their safely tested messages and finely honed images to answer fair-minded questions about issues they'll have to deal with on the public's behalf," said Elm.

Four years ago, said Elm, party officials and campaign consultants started advising candidates to reject the survey for fear they would be pigeonholed or risk exposing their platform strategies to opponents.

It's too early to tell how Utah compares nationally because 10 states' results are still being tallied.

Generally, fewer incumbents than challengers completed the poll. Republicans and Democrats responded in equally low numbers, a 17 percent return rate compared with 40 percent for independent or third party candidates.

None of Utah's five incumbent congressmen participated. Gubernatorial candidates Republican Jon Huntsman Jr. and Democrat Scott Matheson Jr. also declined. And only 16 percent of sitting state legislators up for re-election filled out and returned the surveys.

Steve Thompson, the Democrat hoping to unseat Republican Rob Bishop, agreed to complete the poll based on Project Vote Smart's reputation as a legitimate and useful tool for voters.

"Besides, they called and harassed me and showed up in urinals," deadpanned Thompson. Each candidate was contacted four to six times over a six-week period.

Republican Congressman Chris Cannon also praises the project, but rejected the survey for lack of time.

"It's probably difficult for people to imagine how many questionnaires we get, probably two or three a day. We make a cut as to whether they're an organization or group that has ties to Utah," said Joe Hunter, Cannon's chief of staff.