Huntsman's departure opening many doors
By Frank Pignanelli & LaVarr Webb
Pignanelli & Webb: Politicos were burning through their cell phone batteries Friday night and Saturday morning chatting about the Huntsman appointment. The impact of this political meteorite has turned Utah's political ecosystem topsy-turvy. We review the effects on people and issues:
Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert: He's the big winner. With a special gubernatorial election pending in 2010, Herbert is well ahead of other potential candidates because he has been running hard for the top post since his re-election with Huntsman in 2008. Now he gets to run as the incumbent. He's been securing support of key business and Republican leaders and is well-known among most Republican delegates. Herbert is much better-positioned than was then-Lt. Gov. Olene Walker in 2003, when she was vaulted into the Governor's Mansion mid-term. She didn't announce her re-election candidacy until after the Legislature in 2004, and by then it was far too late. Herbert is already off and running.
Attorney General Mark Shurtleff: Although his errant thumb on the Twitter button disclosed a possible challenge against Bennett, he may be rethinking that announcement scheduled for this week. Shurtleff has always wanted to run for governor, and as a popular statewide elected official, he has the best chance to unseat Herbert. Conversely, this may solidify a decision to run against Bennett, because Herbert may be too strong.
Other top prospects: These include a number of heavy hitters. Salt Lake Chamber President/CEO Lane Beattie is most often mentioned. Others are House Speaker David Clark, Senate Majority Leader Sheldon Killpack, and Zions Bank President/CEO Scott Anderson. To be viable, any of them would have to begin campaigning with delegates immediately, considering that 2010 neighborhood party caucuses are only about 10 months away.
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