Bell OK'd as lieutenant governor

It's official. Utah's lieutenant governor is Greg Bell.

Bell, who had been Senate majority assistant whip, was unanimously confirmed by his now-former colleagues Tuesday as Gov. Gary Herbert's new No. 2.

The vote was a first for the Senate under a new amendment to the state Constitution dealing with succession. A Senate confirmation committee held a hearing last Thursday on Bell's nomination and members recommended his appointment, also unanimously.

Bell takes over the office from Herbert, who moved up on Aug. 11 after former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. stepped down to become U.S. ambassador to China.

After the 27-0 vote, Bell told the Senate that he will give Herbert his "loyalty and devotion and I know he will become a great success."

He said he was anxious for the public to get to know their new governor, whom he called an "able, principled, energetic man. It's going to be an exciting time."

Bell also made a plea for civility in public debate from all Utahns, "whether your ancestors have lived here for a thousand years or came across the Plains or just arrived in a moving van this summer."

He invited everyone "to contribute, to be positive, to be upbeat … (and) to avoid self-righteousness and finger pointing and personal attacks." Such behavior has no place in politics, Bell said.

Both GOP and Democratic senators spoke fondly of Bell. Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, said he was reluctant to lose a good friend. And Senate Minority Whip Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake, praised Bell's "diligence, open-mindeness and overall goodness." Senate President Mike Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, was emotional when he accepted Bell's letter of resignation after the vote, his voice wavering as he announced its contents.

Bell then headed downstairs from the Senate Chamber to the Capitol's ceremonial Gold Room for his swearing-in ceremony. There, Herbert described Bell as "a good man who is inclusive, respectful in his views" and able to bring people together.

Herbert has said he considered more than two dozen people for the lieutenant governor's slot. That list was narrowed down to just four names — Bell, Utah Transportation Commission Chairman Stuart Adams, Salt Lake Chamber Chief Operating Office Natalie Gochnour and Salt Lake County Councilman Michael Jensen.

The governor said in the end he chose Bell because he wasn't looking for a political clone. "One of me is enough," Herbert said when he announced his pick in early August. "I think Sen. Bell fills in my cracks and broadens our ability to represent the people of Utah."