SPRINGFIELD (LEE)_As lawmakers negotiated with utilities over a way to lower power bills, the companies lined some lawmakers' campaign pockets with donations, new reports show.

Final campaign finance statements for the first half of the year aren't due until the end of the day Friday. But early reports show that electric companies gave thousands of dollars to key lawmakers at the same time they were trying to come to an agreement behind closed doors.

For example, state Sen. James Clayborne, the Belleville Democrat who played a key role in initiating talks, made $17,500 from generators and utilities from Jan. 1, when electric rates rose, until the end of the reporting period June 30.

''It's clear that campaign giving is part of the strategy of the electric companies,'' said David Morrison, deputy director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.

As is usual in Illinois, legislative leaders get the most of the money so they can distribute it later to individual lawmakers who need campaign help.

For example, records show Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville, received $10,000 from ComEd and House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, received the same amount from Dynegy.

Rank and file lawmakers get money, too, but not as much. State Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, received $3,000 from electric companies. State Rep. Patrick Verschoore, D-Milan got $4,800 and state Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth received $1,750.

State Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg pulled in $500 from Dynegy, a generating company that could end up paying part of a $1 billion settlement. But he says the contributions probably aren't working, as evidenced by the House's several votes to force utilities to cut their rates.

''I still voted against them,'' Phelps said.

All lawmakers' reports won't be filed until the weekend, but utility records show ComEd gave state Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, $300. He's been an outspoken critic of the rate hikes.

Records detailing donations to Gov. Rod Blagojevich likely won't be on file until the weekend, either.

According to reports filed with the Illinois State Board of Elections, ComEd's political action committee gave about $54,000 more to politicians in the last six months than it did in the previous six-month period.

But because companies can give several different ways, a full accounting of their spending isn't yet available.

Morrison said the situation is similar to 2005, when a high-profile spat over medical malpractice insurance drew contributions from trial lawyers and doctors. This year, a disagreement over cable television competition has drawn money from AT&T.

Morrison said voters will have to decide what effect the donations had when - or if - an electric rates deal is officially announced.

Tuesday brought optimism that a resolution was close, and Wednesday, Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, took credit for steering the rate hike talks away from a plan to force the companies to cut their rates to 2006 levels.

He said that the plan would have resulted in a lawsuit by the utilities, which would have stalled any potential relief for residents.

''I am glad I held my ground,'' said Jones.

But, Jones said suggested that the legislation is still not ready for a vote. Among the sticking points for Jones is a push by Madigan to create a government agency that would work to purchase power more cheaply than the utilities.

''Hopefully, the package that has been put together can stay together,'' said Jones.