Plenty of qualified prospects for Herbert's lieutenant governor

What a week for Utah politics! We review a few of the burning questions being asked on Capitol Hill and on the street:

 Why China? Was the ambassadorship something on Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s agenda?

Oh, yeah. Diplomacy has always intrigued the governor. Early in the Bush administration, Huntsman was on a short list of ambassador prospects submitted to the Chinese government. China's leaders were then mired in the "Falun Gong" cult controversy, and they were wary of Huntsman's relative youth and his religion. But now Huntsman is older, more proven, is a hot commodity in America, and they couldn't say yes fast enough.

 Gary Herbert will name his lieutenant governor once he is sworn in. Who are the prospects and why is this important?

Herbert is already focused like a laser on his 2010 re-election. (He met with professional campaign consultants last week.) Despite promising to continue Huntsman's policies, he must establish his own identity apart from Huntsman by early next year when the election process begins. Herbert's pick will be his most-watched decision this summer and will send a strong signal. A conservative would help him in the state convention. A moderate would help him in the general election against a strong Democrat like Rep. Jim Matheson. The problem with picking a lieutenant governor is that most of the top-level prospects don't want the job. Those who seek it are usually second-tier leaders looking for a leg up. Here are some of the prospects. (Remember, all previous lieutenant governors since 1984 have been lawmakers or local officials):

Rep. Greg Hughes is a well-liked, charismatic lawmaker who can shore up Herbert's conservative support. He was the focus of an ethics investigation last year but was unanimously exonerated. Further, he led the effort to revise Utah's alcohol laws, absolving any sins and bolstering his appeal to Democrats, non-Mormons and independents.

Josh Romney (son of presidential aspirant and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney) could bring an interesting dynamic to Herbert's administration and re-election campaign — great fundraising, name recognition, statewide appeal and support. He's definitely on the list.

Former Huntsman general counsel Mike Lee is another attractive conservative. He considered running against Sen. Bob Bennett and is respected for his legal acumen (clerk to Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito); his low name recognition is a barrier.