Whom to watch in the 2010 Utah Legislature

SENATE

President Michael Waddoups, R-Taylorsville

While all members of GOP leadership are influential through their positions, the Senate president has extra powers, including overseeing the flow of the bills on the Senate floor, especially in the session's final days.

Appointed to the House in 1987, elected 1988. Appointed to the Senate in 1996, elected 1998.

Works in a property management firm.

Sen. John Valentine, R-Orem

A former president of the Senate, Valentine has expertise in a number of areas, including taxes, emergency services, liquor law and general state government, having served as House budget chairman.

Appointed to the House 1988, elected 1988. Appointed to the Senate in 1998, elected in 2000.

Tax attorney in private practice.

Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan

The arch-conservative voice in the Senate, Buttars has had public missteps the last two sessions, bringing criticism upon him. He's taken up several moral issues and has the support of various conservative groups.

Retired head of the Utah Boys Ranch, an educational institution for troubled youth.

Sen. Ben McAdams, D-Salt Lake

Just appointed to the Senate, McAdams fills a seat held by some of the most liberal lawmakers. A former top aide to Salt Lake Mayor Ralph Becker, McAdams has been the city's liaison with the Legislature and is now a member.

HOUSE

Speaker Dave Clark, R-Santa Clara

Seen as a steady, calm hand, Clark is well-regarded by his 53-member GOP caucus, having won the top job in 2008 without opposition. Historically, speakers have had a tough political job, especially if their majority caucus is split. But current House Republicans are more united than in recent years, making it easier to push through big decisions, like spending and ethics reform.

Elected in 2000.

Regional president of Zions Bank.

House Majority Leader Kevin Garn, R-Layton

Garn has been directing the GOP leaders' ethics reform measures, a sticky assignment, especially now that there is a far-reaching citizen initiative that could well make the 2010 ballot.