Is the Rick Koerber controversy problematic for Mark Shurtleff and others?

Webb: If opponents are smart enough to take advantage of the issue, without appearing to cross the line into personal attacks, it could hurt Shurtleff.

Pignanelli: Savvy Eastern politicians are suspicious of individuals who share my ethnic heritage, acting as "consultants in the waste management business," when requesting favors. Shrewd Utahns are wary of "financial wizards" from Utah County who blatantly use religion to recruit customers and political favors. Unfortunately, several elected officials (including Shurtleff) did not utilize this filter and are now accused of ignoring evidence of wrongdoing by Koerber (Koerber was eventually charged with three federal criminal indictments). Politicos are wondering out loud if the "Koerber issue" will hamper Shurtleff. If Koerber is convicted, he will be a problem for Shurtleff and others.

Is the talk of a Kirk Jowers/Josh Romney ticket for the 2010 special election for governor real or fabricated? By the way, who is Jowers?

Pignanelli: For weeks following the Huntsman ambassador announcement, Capitol Hill politicos were dumbfounded that Jowers, Hinckley Institute director, was consistently mentioned in the media as a potential gubernatorial candidate. He certainly was not on anyone's radar. Yet in every news report, Jowers was consistently highlighted as a top contender. Some suggest he has powerful friends; others believe he is a brilliant self-promoter. Either way, the unknown Jowers is now a top-tier prospect.

Webb: Both Jowers and Romney are ambitious young political players who can hardly wait to run for something. But they're not realistic competitors for 2010.

How likely is it that either Matheson or Corroon will jump into the 2010 governor's race, and would they square off in a primary election?

Pignanelli: No way. Matheson and Corroon will not run against each other. But one of them could be a gubernatorial candidate next year. 2012 will be a tough year for Democrats seeking statewide office if Romney is the GOP presidential nominee (one more sex scandal, and Romney wins by default). Thus, a statewide race in 2010 looks better every day.