Huntsman has already promised to only serve two terms. And he's planning now for his re-election campaign in 2008.

But this rumor has one great flaw: Herbert can't be counted on to win Hatch's seat outright in 2008, when all kinds of Republicans would be running — including no doubt some wealthy candidates who could self-fund their races (which Herbert couldn't really do).

Even though Herbert would be the incumbent in 2008, he wouldn't have the stability in the office that Hatch has enjoyed in his last five re-elections.

All of this, of course, counts on Hatch being picked by Bush to be the new attorney general.

And I really don't see that happening.

First off, why would Hatch want to end his political career by taking over a troubled U.S. department for only the last 15 or so months of Bush's very troubled presidency?

If the attorney general offer had come at the first of Bush's second term, then I could see Hatch taking it. But not now.

Secondly, Hatch has never run a huge bureaucracy. He's managed a relatively small Senate staff office for 30 years.

And Hatch is known to have made some rather outlandish statements over the years — not exactly what Bush wants to see from his new attorney general. Much better a technocrat or a respected judge or lawyer with a measured, reassuring demeanor.

Finally, with former Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt now the secretary of Health and Human Services, Bush would have two Utahns and two Mormons in his 15-member Cabinet. A little heavy on both the geographic and religious side.

No, I see Hatch staying right where he is — the longest serving Utahn in the U.S. Senate.

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Deseret Morning News political editor Bob Bernick Jr. may be reached by e-mail at bbjr@desnews.com