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.

• Roll Call, a daily newspaper serving congressional insiders, recently highlighted Utah Sen. Bob Bennett. In an offhand manner, the paper designated Bennett as "consigliere" to Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Few Utahns are aware of the well-deserved compliment, and many who have heard it do not comprehend the significance. In the Italian language, consigliere means adviser or counselor. However, the designation is both a supreme honor and indicator of behind-the-scenes power. A consigliere is not the "muscle" of an organization (yes, Frank knows these things). Rather, he/she is close to the leader because of sound counsel and oftentimes interacts with rival entities. Of course, most Americans associate consigliere as the key lieutenant to a high profile Mafia don (i.e. the Tom Hayden character played by Robert Duvall in the "Godfather" movies).

Beltway insiders say that under normal circumstances, Bennett's political prowess should have suffered from changes in the control of Congress. However, Bennett's unrivaled experience is of value to the GOP caucus leader. Further, the heightened partisan atmosphere has only increased Bennett's value because Democratic leaders trust Bennett. Utah's junior senator is not a publicity hound, which adds intrigue and influence to his status. Although dissimilar to a consigliere involved in underworld activities (we doubt he suggests "hits" on opponents), Bennett quietly possesses a similar authority.

• If you listen closely, you can hear whispered rumors in City Hall that Mayor Rocky Anderson could enter the mayoral race, even though he has announced he won't seek re-election. Rocky endorsed former City Council member Keith Christensen but apparently is concerned his protege is behind in the polls. Note: The filing deadline is July 15. The real chance of Rocky running? Very low.

• Third District Congressman Chris Cannon always handles his Democratic election opponents with ease. But he often has serious problems within his own Republican Party. Election year 2008 won't be much different. In fact, with David Leavitt and Jason Chaffetz seeking the GOP nomination against him, Cannon likely faces his toughest re-election challenge ever.

Chaffetz is former chief of staff and campaign manager for Gov. Huntsman. He has been running hard for several months, meeting with political and community leaders. Leavitt is the brother of former governor and current Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt. David Leavitt is a serious contender, not to be taken lightly. The intraparty fight for the GOP nomination in the 3rd District is always fun to watch, and this cycle will be even more fascinating. Two other possible GOP contenders, John Jacob and Merrill Cook, have no realistic chance of winning the nomination.

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Republican LaVarr Webb was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and Deseret News managing editor. He now is a political consultant and lobbyist. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. A former candidate for Salt Lake mayor, he served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. Pignanelli's spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is a Utah state tax commissioner. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com