"From today forward," Greene added, "the state party will not accept more than one name to forward to the governor."

Curtis was pleased with the process despite the hiccups, which included concern among his supporters that he wouldn't be treated fairly because he only rejoined the Republican Party 36 days ago.

"Enid Greene really impressed me, and I came away convinced she would be fair," Curtis said. "I think they made the best of a bad situation."

Greene said she received a number of calls complaining about Curtis' status as a latecomer to the party but said she shrugged that off, describing it as only one of many factors. She wouldn't specify by how much, but she also said a majority of people she talked with supported Herrod.

The 41-year-old Herrod is co-owner of Keystone Developers. He'll be on Capitol Hill at 8 a.m. today for an orientation session with House staff.

"They have a mound of paperwork for me to go through," Herrod said. "I can't wait to get started."

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E-mail: twalch@desnews.com