Herbert will let Bell shine

Utahns can expect to see more of new Lt. Gov. Greg Bell than they did of the state's previous No. 2 — who just happens to be the current governor.

Gov. Gary Herbert, who spent five years as lieutenant governor under former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., is already bestowing some high-profile assignments on Bell.

Not only will Bell, the former Senate majority assistant whip, be the new GOP administration's liaison with the Legislature, he also will take the lead on health-care reform.

Bell said he and Herbert are still working out everything Bell will do as lieutenant governor.

"So far, I have not sensed at all that he's worrying about his image or being out front. He has very generously included me in lots of meetings and what's going on," Bell said.

Bell said Herbert readily agreed that Bell should continue focusing on health care reform, as he did as a GOP senator from Fruit Heights. "I made it clear I'm here to help," Bell said. "It's really about him and his administration. I'm part of the team."

Herbert said he believes Bell will be "a rock star" dealing with lawmakers next session as well as a key player in introducing the state's new leadership to all Utahns.

"He's going to be out and about as a part of the face of the executive branch," the governor told reporters during his first monthly news conference on KUED Ch. 7.

Huntsman, who resigned last month to become U.S. ambassador to China, did give Herbert plenty to do on top of his constitutional duties, which include running the state election office.

Herbert handled transportation, rural affairs, water and homeland security. But that kept him traveling the state and generally out of the spotlight while Huntsman himself dealt with lawmakers and high-profile issues like health care.

"Herbert was underutilized by Huntsman," said Senate President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville. "They have different governing styles, but I believe Herbert could have been used more. He's a hard worker."

Waddoups said Herbert won't make the same mistake.

"There's a certain amount of things you can delegate and a certain amount you can't" as governor, the Senate president said. "Gov. Herbert has been in both positions and understands that very well."

The governor made a savvy selection with Bell, Waddoups said.

"You've got to give the governor a lot of kudos for picking a partner like that. He's a very intelligent man. He's got a lot of legislative connections," Waddoups said of Bell.

Even minority Democrats are pleased with the prospect of dealing with Bell next session.

"I think he is absolutely genuine to the core. He is very bipartisan. You can see the support he has on both sides of the aisle," Senate Minority Leader Pat Jones, D-Holladay, said.