Pignanelli & Webb: Finally, warm weather is here, and it's time for some spring cleaning of odds and ends in Utah politics.

• A number of prominent GOP politicos are pushing state Rep. Mark Walker (District 45, Sandy) to consider running for Utah state treasurer in 2008. The incumbent, Ed Alter, was elected in 1980 and is the longest-serving state financial officer in the country (and quite possibly the planet). Alter is expected to retire, although he hasn't announced his plans. Walker is a gregarious, well-liked lawmaker but was barely re-elected in 2006 in his swing district. Trained in banking and finance, Walker is an officer with Zions Bank, where he supervises cash management products.

Also considering a run for treasurer is Alter's deputy, Richard Ellis. An 11-year veteran of the treasurer's office, Ellis also performed a short stint as director of Administrative Services and state budget director.

Seeking the treasurer post is a smart political move. The job is cushy and reasonably well-compensated, and most strenuous financial transactions are performed by specialists and consultants. Further, treasurers in the country rack up big frequent-flier numbers. (Note: Frank's wife, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, was the Democratic nominee for treasurer in 1996, running on the platform that, if elected, she would work to eliminate the office.)

• As might be expected, new grumblings are being heard in legislative corridors and around water coolers about Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s stance on the voucher issue. Legislators and others on both sides of the issue seem to want the chief executive to stick his neck out. Frustration spiked with the indication that Huntsman won't support or oppose the voucher referendum. Because he signed the bill and has expressed support for the concept, some believe he needs to more aggressively stand by his position.

Also raising eyebrows is the governor's decision not to weigh in on leadership for the state Republican Party. The recent firing of Executive Director Jeff Hartley has created a swampy quagmire, and the party is deep in debt. Some GOP insiders would like the governor to use his diplomatic skills and high approval ratings to get the party back on track. Usually, in particular when the gubernatorial election cycle is up, the governor exerts influence in the selection of party chairman. Candidates who have filed include Stan Lockhart, Aaron Bludworth, Steve Harmsen and Bill Conley.