But some have questioned the pleas for donations because some committees have begun hearings. The invitation signed by Gunther and Rep. Torrey Westrom, the Republican chairman of the Regulated Industries Committee, invited lobbyists and industry members to an event that near the Capitol just an hour after a hearing.

“They might as well have put a collection box on the committee table,” Anderson said.

Gunther said he’s never let campaign financing affect his decisions on legislation, saying he judges bills by how well they serve his district, his region and the state.

“I don’t remember who contributed and who didn’t when I deal with legislation,” he said.

This Associated Press contributed to this story.