A Republican campaigning in a Democratic district, she knocked on doors every evening after work and then again on weekends, and she recruited help from university students after convincing their teachers to give them credit for working on her campaign. She won the election and served in the Legislature from 1981 until her defeat in 1988, rising to a leadership position in the House of Representatives, where she served as majority whip.

Walker ran for Congress in 1992, but when two gubernatorial candidates, Richard Eyre and Mike Leavitt, asked her to run as their lieutenant governor, she dropped out of the race and signed on with Leavitt.

"Being a woman at that time was an asset, not a liability," she says. "It was the beginning of a movement in that direction. There were only six female lieutenant governors in the nation at the time — now there are 21."

With her wide-ranging background in education, business, homemaking and the Legislature, she was uniquely qualified. She became Utah's first female lieutenant governor.

"First, I wanted someone who was capable of being governor," says Leavitt. "Second, I wanted someone who could carry a substantial part of the administration, and she had extraordinary experience in some areas I didn't."

Eleven years later, Walker became the state's first female governor.

"She may be among the hardest workers on the planet," says Leavitt. "I don't know that she ever sleeps. She is relentless and yet good-humored about it. I don't recall in the 11 years we worked together a single moment when a harsh word passed between us."

What he had in Walker was, as Bradshaw puts it, "one of the most beloved legislators in the state among her peers." Leavitt agrees: "I suspect some of that is attributable to a personality that wears well."

A sense of humor

Undoubtedly, Walker's relaxed, kind and often humorous way with people has served her well, and at times it has lightened up the serious business of government. During a ceremony to make Cosby an honorary citizen of Utah, she held her own with the comedian. They made the presentation in front of the House and Senate, and Cosby began to ad-lib one-liners.

"Hey, these guys look pretty sleepy," he said. "They probably need a coffee break. . . . Maybe we could put some caffeine in their Jell-O."

"As long as it's cold, it's OK," Walker replied, referring to the caffeine. Cosby didn't get the joke, but the Utah crowd roared. After exchanging playful banter, Cosby told Walker, "I'm going to send you a contract."

"They just hit it off," says Myron. "They enjoyed each other. She was relaxed enough to enjoy it, and he recognized it."