Salt Lake County Councilman Joe Hatch, a Democrat, applauded Workman's decision to leave the race. At the same time, he doubted that it would have much impact on Peter Corroon because he will have a chance to talk about his plans for the county, not about his opponent's problems.

"I think she should have pulled out long ago," he said. "Her continued involvement meant that the real issues were not getting aired. She was sucking up all of the political oxygen."

Swensen has previously said she would accept any physician's note at face value. Nevertheless, Swensen, chief deputy Jason Yocom and elections chief Julio Garcia huddled during much of the day Tuesday, figuring out how to handle logistically the unusual situation.

The confusion around the mayoral election will have impacts on elections across the state, especially if Ivory remains a write-in candidate and delays the ballot counts in Salt Lake County — a delay that would also push back reporting for legislative, statewide and congressional races. Regardless, Lt. Gov. Gayle McKeachnie said that he expects Utah elections to run smoothly, especially if Salt Lake County runs smoothly.

Nationally, "it looks like it could be a year where there's some turmoil in elections, although we're hoping not in Utah," he said. "If Sherrie can just keep Salt Lake County contained, we should be fine."

The issue of replacing Workman won't be ultimately resolved for a while.

According to GOP bylaws, a central committee meeting to vote on whether to put Ivory on the ballot can't be held until 10 business days after an executive committee member calls for it, putting off any decision until two weeks from now.

What's more, it's still possible the party might not even attempt the action.

"We're still working through the details," GOP county chairwoman Tiani Coleman said. "We won't be making any changes unless we're satisfied that this (the doctor's note) complies with the law and is totally above board."

Ivory characterized the decision as totally up to the party.

"I'm running regardless," he said. "I'm going to continue with my campaign, and whatever the Republicans do, they'll do." Meanwhile, the person at the eye of the Salt Lake County storm, Workman herself, is lying low. She did not talk to any news media Tuesday and is not likely to do so for a while.

"I told her, in all seriousness, that she should fly off to Mexico for a week," Owen said.

Political consultant and Deseret Morning News columnist LaVarr Webb said that he is not surprised about Workman's announcement and that a change on the ballot would only help Ivory. He also said that because Ivory was critical of Workman and ran against her, his previous association with her campaign should not be an issue for voters.

Although Ivory's started a good write-in campaign, "it's better for him if his name is on the ballot," Webb said. "All in all, it has to be considered a benefit for Ivory that she is no longer in the race."

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Contributing: Josh Loftin

E-mail: aedwards@desnews.com