The state's needs are great. Exciting and interesting times are ahead. Huntsman is a governor with potential star power. He will have plenty of opportunity to push forward an aggressive and visionary agenda over the next several months and expend a good chunk of that stash of political capital.

Pignanelli: In response to an inquiry regarding the governor's success or failure with the Legislature, a wizened legislative veteran responded, "If Jon Huntsman Jr. was a Democrat, we would be accused of rolling and abusing him. Because he is a Republican most people, including his staff, do not perceive his objectives are incidental to ours (the Legislature). His gains have been nominal at best." This conclusion — the governor achieved little — is shared by many legislators, lobbyists and insiders involved with the legislative process. Yet, the media (and governor's office) have reported a successful first session for the administration. Why the disparity?

Enlightened politicos I encounter, regardless of political affiliation, sincerely want Huntsman to succeed. They believe the governor has the energy and vision to bring Utah out of its coma but cannot complete his ambitious objectives if the recent session is a precedent. Many blame the lack of hands-on legislative experience plaguing the governor's office. While I have neckties that spent more time at the Capitol than the governor's entire lobbying team, his team members do possess formidable assets — legislative liaison Mike Mower charmed lawmakers with his natural wit, legal counsel Mike Lee impressed everyone with solid brainpower, and deputy chief Neil Ashdown provided a common-sense demeanor. Other observers share my belief that Huntsman is facing challenges he inherited, not created.