2008 Legislature: Agenda — Governor's pleased with how his programs fared

"He's obviously learned. I mean he's doing great," House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, said. Curtis said Huntsman only pushed lawmakers hard on the extra money for teacher raises.

"He just didn't weigh in on that many issues. The $25 million was the one he felt passionately about," Curtis said. "It's a non-risky position. I mean, who's going to object about giving teachers more money, a bonus? So is it a good strategy? I guess, yeah."

Huntsman said he spent plenty of time talking to legislative leaders of both parties about his priorities during their at least weekly meetings throughout the session. He disagreed that he only lobbied them hard for teacher pay.

"That's not so," the governor said. "You think they pushed alcohol reform? Hmm?"

Huntsman insisted, "We pushed in all areas. It might be covert pushing as opposed to overt pushing. But you can basically send signals and state priorities. There are all kinds of ways that you can influence the outcome."

He said he's settled into a good relationship with legislative leaders in this, the last year of his first term. Overall, the governor said, the session was "a good collaborative effort. I'm not trying to blow smoke."

This isn't just an election year for Huntsman. All of the members of the House and half of the Senate are also up for re-election. The governor, who so far has no competition in his race for a second term, said his own race had "zero" impact on him this session.

But, he added, again with a smile, "I can't speak for the legislative branch."

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