How did Gov. Huntsman fare in legislative session?

Usually, the Legislature dominates the media and political buzz the first two months of every year. But this session Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. frequently captured headlines with jaw-dropping statements — some of which garnered national attention. We examine vital questions about our popular chief executive.

How did the governor fare this legislative session?

Pignanelli: "Lo, the end is nigh!" Yes, we are witnessing a sign of the imminent apocalypse: a Republican governor of Utah actively advocating for gay rights, stronger environmental policies and looser booze restrictions. The governor and lawmakers began the session at odds over the budget and his public support of "civil unions" for same-sex couples. Many politicos, including me, believed the governor was risking total isolation, but the Huntsman luck prevailed again. The controversy over Sen. Chris Buttars' remarks dampened retaliation for the governor's comments, and the infusion of the federal stimulus package postponed confrontations over the budget. While Sen. John Valentine and Rep. Greg Hughes performed the heavy lifting in the Legislature, Huntsman is receiving national accolades for reforming Utah's famous liquor laws. There were bills and resolutions restraining the governor's powers, especially on environmental matters, but in the end they were diluted or rejected. Pieces of health and ethics reform — important to the governor — did pass. Huntsman had a good session.

Webb: From the Capitol insider/lobbyist perspective, Huntsman got off to a rocky start, especially with his abrupt suspension of 50 highway projects (reinstated as the session started) and the bad timing of the civil unions announcement. Huntsman also irritated Republican legislators over his climate-change positions and his calls for ethics reform, seemingly targeted at them. But the unprecedented economic crisis quickly forced the executive and legislative branches to work together, and both sides performed well. Thus, both sides emerged unscathed from a very difficult session. Privately, lawmakers acknowledge Huntsman's willingness to spend political capital on controversial issues, but some still question his leadership in forging strong coalitions and pushing a position or cause to fruition. But no one can argue with his ultra-high popularity ratings.

In his controversial positions and comments, is the governor just popping off or is there an intentional strategy?