Adams or Bell? Herbert won't say yet

Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert may have made up his mind about who will be his No. 2 when he takes over as governor, but he's not ready to tell anyone else — including his choice.

"He's made his decision and we're just talking about how that's going to work and the timing of events," Herbert's transition director, Jason Perry, said Monday.

That includes when to notify the person who'll take his spot once Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. steps down after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate as ambassador to China.

"We have not talked about when he's going to make that phone call yet," Perry said. Herbert is expected to announce his new lieutenant governor Wednesday morning. "I think he has one or two final details to put together."

Herbert, whose inauguration is set for Aug. 11, has four names on his short list, but the focus has been on two candidates, Senate Majority Assistant Whip Greg Bell, R-Fruit Heights, and Utah Transportation Commission Chairman Stuart Adams.

Although Adams said Monday he's still waiting to hear from Herbert, the former state representative from Layton is already talking about running for Bell's Davis County Senate seat.

And a push by the conservative Eagle Forum against Bell over the weekend may have hurt Adams' chances. The group led by Gayle Ruzicka urged members to contact Herbert's office to oppose Bell because of his past support for benefits for gay and other non-traditional couples.

"We're just sitting back and waiting," Adams said. "I would say if Greg is chosen, I would be interested in his seat." He said he did not believe Herbert's decision would be influenced by the Eagle Forum's concerns.

"I have confidence he'll make his own decision, regardless," Adams said. "This has been a longer process than that. I think he's a more thoughtful guy."

Bell has not commented on the competition. He did not return a telephone call Monday.

"I'd still bet on Greg Bell being it," Senate President Michael Waddoups said, especially after Ruzicka's efforts.

"I think that probably sealed the deal for Greg," Waddoups said. "I think Herbert doesn't want it to look like Ruzicka has influence. I just don't think she understood what she was doing."

Waddoups said he talked with Adams several weeks ago about running for Bell's Senate seat should Bell join the executive branch. "He wasn't a bit backwards about saying he wouldn't mind doing it," he said.