But instead of anti-Reid protests, the build-up to Reid's BYU visit has been limited to classroom discussions, relatively tame letters to the editor in the Daily Universe and an opinion piece in Monday's student paper by noted political science professor David Magleby.

Several of the letters were from members of the BYU College Republicans or like-minded conservatives who said they would not protest Reid's visit. Why not? To prove they are better hosts than the College Democrats, whose protests of Cheney drew national attention and were historic for a campus where political activity is rare and usually buttoned-down.

Magleby, now the dean of the College of Family, Home and Social Sciences, noted that Reid is a convert to the LDS church and committed church member, and he urged civility: "Whether we do or do not agree with Sen. Reid on any particular policy matter, he deserves our respect and appreciation for his long career in public service."

BYU's board of trustees invited Reid months before Cheney's visit, university spokeswoman Carri Jenkins said. Reid will not be awarded an honorary doctorate, as was Cheney, because the degrees are only presented at commencements.

No students requested protest permits, but there is a possibility anti-Reid signs could pop up in the Marriott Center. The flap over Limbaugh led a discussion group at www.freerepublic.com to whip up enthusiasm for sneaking signs into BYU.

The posts at the Web site revealed the depth of concern about Reid among some LDS. One called Reid a MINO, or Mormon in Name Only. "Rich in OC" wrote that "Reid is a notable Mormon. Of course, in his case, the second 'M' is silent."

Suggestions for signs included "BYU gave you a (microphone), let Limbaugh keep his."

Jenkins said BYU will maintain the standard level of security it uses at campus forums and devotionals. For Cheney's visit, the Secret Service required a search of every person in the capacity crowd of 22,000.

If someone brings a sign, "We will ask them to remove it," Jenkins said. "We would do the same for any devotional or forum speaker."

Signs or no signs, Reid could borrow from Bobby Kennedy, who turned to Wilkinson at the end of his speech 29 years ago and said, "Now, doctor, that wasn't so bad, was it?"

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E-mail: twalch@desnews.com