If Hatch is confirmed as attorney general, a vacancy opens in the U.S. Senate position. Then the fun begins. Technically, the Republican Central Committee will provide a list of three names for Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. to select from to replace Hatch. (The governor also has the option to choose a name outside the list.) Under Utah law, the governor has this ability to choose himself. Thus, Huntsman may work the Central Committee to ensure his name is on the list or select himself regardless. This is a likely scenario for several reasons. Insiders believe Huntsman desires a return to Washington, D.C., to serve in some capacity — possibly in a John McCain administration. However, the McCain campaign is imploding. As a U.S. senator, Huntsman can serve some time — especially in international affairs — and eventually be appointed ambassador to China or to a Cabinet position. Of course, Huntsman will need to deal with other powerful Utahns who have been eyeing the seat (i.e., Mike Leavitt).

Should Huntsman replace Hatch, Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert becomes the serving governor. Herbert will run for election in 2008, but could face an intra-party challenge because his term in the top spot will be short-lived. (No doubt, some of the wannabes for the Senate seat will seek this office). Yet, Herbert will be a tough contender as the fresh incumbent.

Webb: This is all fun speculation for political junkies, but here's the problem: For this to happen the first domino has to fall, which would be Orrin Hatch leaving the Senate to replace Gonzales.

All of the U.S. Senate wannabes (and there are many) will soon be dead if they hold their breath waiting for Hatch to leave the Senate. Hatch is operating at a torrid pace in his Senate work, introducing bills and getting involved in dozens of issues. Resigning from the Senate to become attorney general would be tantamount to retiring from his long political career, and Hatch seems to be in no mood for a rocking chair.

Consider that Hatch is a senior member of the U.S. Senate, the world's greatest club. He is powerful, popular and influential. Why would he give all of that up to spend a year and a half in a depressing and thankless job in an unpopular, severely wounded-duck administration that will soon be history ... and then retire into oblivion?

Sure, Hatch has said that if his president called, he'd have to listen. He is showing loyalty and grace. But in the words of one Hatch confidante, "There's about as much chance of this happening as you and me starting for the Utah Jazz in the playoffs."

I am, by the way, old, fat and out of shape. And the other guy ain't much better. I'll believe Hatch will leave the Senate when Jerry Sloan gives me a call. More likely, Hatch dies with his boots on — in his Senate office.

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Republican LaVarr Webb was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and Deseret News managing editor. He now is a political consultant and lobbyist. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. A former candidate for Salt Lake mayor, he served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. Pignanelli's spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is a Utah state tax commissioner. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.