He's already facing several potential challengers, including Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem, who said he'll give Herbert a chance to prove himself as governor before deciding whether to run against him next year.

Valentine wasn't shy about saying he'd have a lot to offer as a lieutenant governor, "but the geographical part works against me." He said the position did not come up during a recent conversation with Herbert about the upcoming election.

Other potential election rivals — and possible lieutenant governor picks — include Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce head Lane Beattie and University of Utah Hinckley Institute of Politics Director Kirk Jowers.

The news that a former state senator from Cottonwood Heights, Carlene Walker, had withdrawn her name as a candidate for the Utah GOP vice-chairmanship, had her being discussed Wednesday as a potential lieutenant governor.

"I would consider it if it were offered," she told the News. "I loved being in the Senate because I felt I could make a difference. I would love to have that opportunity again to make a difference as a Republican woman. There aren't that many of us around."

Walker said she called Herbert on Monday and left him a message. "I offered him my services. I did not ask him to be lieutenant governor. I think that's inappropriate. I would not do that," she said.

House Speaker Dave Clark, R-Santa Clara, has been mentioned as an attractive choice for Herbert's No. 2 because he represents Southern Utah. But Clark said the job "has never been discussed" with him. The job may be considered a step-down for him, because of the power he wields as House Speaker.

Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, said it's been fun watching others jockey for the position, beginning with Monday's packed press conference called by the governor to announce the transition. That event was jammed not just with reporters and executive branch employees anxious to keep their jobs, but also dozens of lawmakers and political insiders.

"I had someone come up to me today and give me a good, firm handshake," Waddoups said. "I said to myself, 'He wants to be lieutenant governor.' "

Waddoups declined to name the would-be contender but was quick to take himself out of the race. "I've got a great job," he said. "I have a lot of influence."

It will be up to the state Senate to confirm Herbert's lieutenant governor. Although he automatically assumes the governor's office when Huntsman steps down, his pick is an appointment subject to Senate approval.

There are lawmakers whose names are being floated, including Senate Majority Leader Sheldon Killpack, R-Syracuse and Rep. Greg Hughes, R-Draper.

But don't count out those with Salt Lake County ties. Salt Lake County Attorney Lohra Miller has been mentioned. So have the names of two conservative African-Americans, former Salt Lake County GOP Chairman James Evans and former Salt Lake County Council member Winston Wilkinson.

One long-time legislative Republican said, "I don't see the sense in picking a legislative conservative. Herbert is already a conservative, and you may want a more balanced ticket."

Another GOP insider, though, said, "This GOP gubernatorial race will be decided in the (May 2010) state convention. And putting another conservative on the ticket, someone to help you with those delegates, would make sense. First things first."

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