Longtime friend and political ally Bud Scruggs says Leavitt's influence comes not just because he's governor but through the way he's been governor. "Mike insists on a fundamental decency in interaction, a courtesy," said Scruggs, who was chief of staff to former GOP Gov. Norm Bangerter. "Mike never has, never will, have any patience with people who want to take a brass-knuckle, hardball approach to politics and government."

Those who challenge Leavitt may get short-term benefits — like headlines — but in the end their power has been marginalized by the effort, Scruggs believes.

A good example, he said, were those on the party's right who took after Leavitt in the last election. While they did grab headlines and were shrill, Leavitt stayed the course, campaigned on his own record and vision. "He refused to belittle them or let others (in his camp) belittle them." And it paid off, Scruggs said.

Leavitt has the ability to turn the attention and spotlight on a topic but is criticized for not following up months and years later. When his interest wanes, so does progress on a topic. Many say this happened with the quality growth discussion and on the subject of keeping guns out of schools, churches and college campuses.

"He eventually conceded that he is not the right person (for that fight) and this is not the right time to make change in guns in schools," said Vicki Varela, who recently left Leavitt's office after eight years as his deputy chief of staff and official spokeswoman.

One of Utah's darkest moments proved to be Leavitt's brightest as a leader, Varela said.

"The community was spiraling into a crisis," Varela says, remembering the Olympic scandal. "He stepped forward in a really difficult and controversial way. He basically made the statement: The problem did not start here, but it ends here.

"It was one of his finest acts of leadership. But acts of strong leadership don't go unpunished. People ended up being hurt in that process. And some people were angry at him over it. But he did the right thing," Varela said.

Unlike President Hinckley's influence — which stays with him for life — and that of industrialist/philanthropist Jon Huntsman Sr. — whose standing comes through significant charitable giving tied to billions of dollars — Leavitt has neither a perpetual church position nor great wealth.

His is political power and the bully pulpit of the governorship, bestowed every four years by the Republican Party and the electorate.

"I suspect I will have a different kind of influence when I leave." Leavitt said. "It came when I was sworn in and will end when I leave this office."

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E-MAIL: bbjr@desnews.com ; lucy@desnews.com