CHEYENNE (AP) - Spending by lobbyists has increased rapidly as Wyoming's financial situation has improved, according to a report from the Center for Public Integrity.

Lobbyists reported about $128,000 in spending in 2000, when Wyoming still faced budget difficulties. But as energy prices rose - and state revenues rose with them - spending by lobbyists more than tripled. It peaked in 2003 at $530,000 during a full eight-week legislative session, then dipped back to $409,000 during the shorter budget session in 2004.

Leah Rush, director of state projects for the Center for Public Integrity, said even those numbers don't tell the complete picture because they only include gifts, receptions and other items that are required disclosure under Wyoming law. Salaries, travel and other lobbying expenses are not included.

"A major part of the puzzle is missing in Wyoming," Rush said. "Some people call lobbyists the fourth branch of government (because) they have a heavy hand in legislation. If they're doing the public's work, the public should know about the lobbyists."

Lawmakers in Wyoming do not get staff, so they often rely on lobbyists to do research.

Chris Boswell, chief of staff for Gov. Dave Freudenthal and a former lobbyist, says lobbyists do provide a needed service to Wyoming lawmakers, even if sometimes they go a little too far.

"They are necessary and appropriate," Boswell said. "Legislators simply don't have the tools in terms of staffing to follow up every question they may have on particular pieces of legislation.

"It's when they're running around trying to get you to change your vote that it gets a little tedious. It is amazing the beehive that the lobby and the hallways become."

Sarah Gorin, board chairwoman and research director for the Equality State Policy Center, said it's inappropriate to compare lobbyists with legislative staffers.

"I've heard lobbyists say, 'Think of me as your staff.' Lobbyists are not the same thing," Gorin said. "They are people with a point of view and no degree in research."

Gorin said the public would be better served by knowing exactly how much various interests spend on lobbying, including salaries and expenses.

"It's not a big record-keeping burden. It's a publicity problem," Gorin said. "I think they recognize that if the public knew how much they spent, it would be a (public relations) problem for them."