Lawmaker tops list for No. 2 post

The elevation of Lt. Gov. Olene Walker to the office of governor had the Utah political rumor mill spinning Tuesday around one question: Who will Walker appoint to be her lieutenant governor?

Officially Walker, who will replace Gov. Mike Leavitt when he resigns next Wednesday, will make that announcement today.

But several names are rumored to be on Walker's short list of suitable candidates, according to Capitol insiders.

A top candidate appears to be Rep. Sheryl Allen, R-Bountiful.

Allen, 60, has been a voice of moderation in the increasingly conservative House. She has served in the House since 1994 and is cut from the same political cloth as Walker, with whom she shares common views on education. Allen, who in recent re-elections has fought off intra-party challenges from more conservative Republicans, currently heads the Davis County School Board Foundation, a non-profit group that raises funds for that school district.

Allen, unlike others mentioned by Capitol insiders, refused to comment Tuesday night.

The Utah Constitution says Walker makes this pick by herself. Her lieutenant governor does not have to be confirmed by either the state Senate or House. This may be important in Allen's case, for she is at odds with some of her GOP colleagues over tuition tax credits, which she has steadfastly opposed.

Deseret News graphicMike Leavitt/Olene Walker transitionRequires Adobe Acrobat.

Both Walker and her lieutenant governor serve out the remainder of the Leavitt-Walker term, which ends in early January 2005.

Ask anyone, including Leavitt, about picking a lieutenant governor and they will say first off the person must be able to take over the job as governor should something happen to the governor.

Leavitt said Monday he knows who Walker has chosen, "and Utahns will be well-served" by that person.

Walker has not said whether she will run for governor next year or not, although several years ago she told the Deseret Morning News that, if not for her age, she would seriously consider running in 2004 should Leavitt retire. Walker turns 73 on Nov. 15.

Picking a second-in-command running for governor in 2004 could pose some problems, if the person has opposing views of the governor. The lieutenant governor would also be needed in the state Capitol, helping run a short-term administration.