Tactics have turned negative, with some candidates complaining that this year's mailers and personal attacks are the worst they've ever seen.

"I don't think I could tell you one race that I don't know of any negative campaigning going on," said one Salt Lake City representative.

But the stakes are high this year - every House seat and about half of the Senate's are on the ballot. Democrats occupy just seven of the 29 Senate seats and 19 of 75 in the House.

"If we lose [my seat] and we don't get the governor's race, I think it's the end of the Democratic party in Utah," Senate Minority Leader Mike Dmitrich of Price said in jest. "But I really think we should have a net gain instead of a loss."

The Democrats are focusing on four Senate races and about five within the House - including those of Republican Reps. Chad Bennion of Murray, Susan Lawrence of East Millcreek, and the Midvale seat left vacant a month ago when Morgan Philpot quit to go to law school.

Democrats also want to hold on to Salt Lake City seats now held by Roz McGee and Ty McCartney, who are being challenged by Richard Snelgrove and Kaylin Loveland, respectively.

"I think we're going to end up having raised and spent more than I ever imagined we would," said Bennion, who is facing a tough rematch against Democrat Tim Cosgrove.

In 2002, Cosgrove lost to Bennion by a mere 89 votes. While he has spent only $7,366 to Bennion's $26,404, Cosgrove says he has "enough support" from Murray constituents to handily win.

Incumbent Sen. Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City, is more cautious. "This year, the Democrats seem to have a little more momentum," said Jenkins, who is facing a rematch with retired teacher Joe Hull. "It will be interesting to see how this turns out."

Dmitrich, fighting his own battle against Republican Phillip Peay, says Hull could win. Dmitrich also hopes Democrats take "one, if not two," Weber County races, plus the highly Democratic Senate District 1 seat.

In Weber County, Republican Allen Christensen is fighting Democrat Jim Hasenyager for Rep. David Gladwell's former seat. Senate District 1 involves a highly competitive race between Republican incumbent James Evans and former state Rep. Fred Fife.

Other tight races include the battle between incumbent Sen. Carlene Walker, R-Salt Lake City, and Davis County Health Director Lew Garrett. Senate Majority Leader Mike Waddoups, R-West Jordan, is being targeted by an elementary school principal, Cora Lee Jckowski.

But the Republicans are doing all they can to stop any potential gain by the Democrats, said Spencer Jenkins, executive director of the state GOP.

"They certainly have fights, but the candidates have done a lot of work and we feel confident that there's a lot of momentum there," he said. "There's a good chance that we'll gain one [seat] in Salt Lake County which we're confident about and we'll retain all of our current seats."

nwarburton@sltrib.com

For more information

* To find out who the legislative candidates in your district are, visit http://www.votesmart.org. View contact information for candidates at http://www.elections.utah.gov/2004candidates.htm