Huntsman's departure opening many doors

Pignanelli & Webb: Politicos were burning through their cell phone batteries Friday night and Saturday morning chatting about the Huntsman appointment. The impact of this political meteorite has turned Utah's political ecosystem topsy-turvy. We review the effects on people and issues:

Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert: He's the big winner. With a special gubernatorial election pending in 2010, Herbert is well ahead of other potential candidates because he has been running hard for the top post since his re-election with Huntsman in 2008. Now he gets to run as the incumbent. He's been securing support of key business and Republican leaders and is well-known among most Republican delegates. Herbert is much better-positioned than was then-Lt. Gov. Olene Walker in 2003, when she was vaulted into the Governor's Mansion mid-term. She didn't announce her re-election candidacy until after the Legislature in 2004, and by then it was far too late. Herbert is already off and running.

Attorney General Mark Shurtleff: Although his errant thumb on the Twitter button disclosed a possible challenge against Bennett, he may be rethinking that announcement scheduled for this week. Shurtleff has always wanted to run for governor, and as a popular statewide elected official, he has the best chance to unseat Herbert. Conversely, this may solidify a decision to run against Bennett, because Herbert may be too strong.

Other top prospects: These include a number of heavy hitters. Salt Lake Chamber President/CEO Lane Beattie is most often mentioned. Others are House Speaker David Clark, Senate Majority Leader Sheldon Killpack, and Zions Bank President/CEO Scott Anderson. To be viable, any of them would have to begin campaigning with delegates immediately, considering that 2010 neighborhood party caucuses are only about 10 months away.

The new lieutenant governor: Herbert gets to choose a new sidekick. Many are expecting that he will look to the Legislature. Possibilities include Senate President Michael Waddoups, moderate Republican Senate whip Greg Bell, Killpack and Rep. Greg Hughes. Another intriguing possibility is out-going West Valley Mayor Dennis Nordfelt.

The Huntsman cabinet and top staff: It has long been whispered that the Huntsman staff and Herbert staff are sometimes at odds (indeed, Herbert's office received word of the Huntsman appointment from outsiders). Herbert will replace many Huntsman appointees with "his people," altering the direction of state government.