Webb: The Democrats, once again, have the luxury of waiting to see what happens with Republican in-fighting, and especially whether Gov.-to-be Gary Herbert performs well and wins the hearts and minds of citizens, or whether he falters and doesn't appear up to the task of being governor. Utah Democrats are too disciplined to allow their top two champions to beat each other up in a primary. Matheson would be the Democrats' No. 1 choice, with Corroon coming in close behind. Corroon is very much untested outside of Salt Lake County, while Matheson has shown he can do well outside the capital county.

Lieutenant governor watch: Insiders tell us that Davis County Sens. Greg Bell and Dan Liljenquist are at the top of Herbert's list.

Republican LaVarr Webb is a political consultant and lobbyist. Previously he was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and a Deseret News managing editor. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com. Democrat Frank Pignanelli is Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser. Pignanelli served 10 years in the Utah House of Representatives, six years as House minority leader. His spouse, D'Arcy Dixon Pignanelli, is a Utah state tax commissioner. E-mail: frankp@xmission.com.