Known as the "word doctor," the pollster said Obama may have been elected by promising change, but westerners chose solutions and bold actions as more important to them.

The governors voted on several resolutions Sunday, including one urging the development of regional and national policies regarding global climate change. There were not enough governors in attendance yet to pass that or any other resolution, but Huntsman and other are expected to submit absentee votes.

The climate change resolution does not refer by name to the controversial western states climate initiative signed by Huntsman and other governors in the region. Patrick Cummins, the association's project manager for the initiative, said Utah contributed $20,000 last year towards advancing the initiative.

Cummins said contrary to some reports, none of the dues paid to the association by the states went toward work on the initiative. All of the money received, he said, was earmarked by states or contributed by private organizations.

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