Deseret News | Huntsman's departure opening many doors

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Pignanelli & Webb: Huntsman's departure opening many doors

LG | 1:56 p.m. May 16, 2009

The next LG needs to be a proven fighter, with conservative credentials and an ability to pass tough legislation. After watching Rep. Greg Hughes pass the alcohol reform bill this year, I have to tip my hat to Webb for putting Hughes on the short list. He would be a great pick.

New LG | 3:10 p.m. May 16, 2009

Hughes would be a terrible pick. Plus he brings all sorts of baggage from the ethics probe last year. I think Herbert starts thinking of who benefits him the most in a 2010 election. A Salt Lake County politico without all the ideological problems is a likely choice. The most intriguing possibility is West Valley Mayor Dennis Nordfelt. His popularity is enormous with reasonable Republicans which could stave off other GOP challengers with a more moderate bent.

The questions is whether or not Nordfelt would want the job. My hunch is that he wouldn't.

Lane Beattie | 3:20 p.m. May 16, 2009

I like the idea of Lane in 2010. He could be the moderate choice in this election painting Herbert into an ideological corner. I doubt Scott Anderson would want to take on the fight, but he would also make a good choice in a similar mold.

Comments continue below

Teluma | 4:16 p.m. May 16, 2009

Mayor Nordfelt. I just sprayed postum all over my monitor laughing at that one. In 2010 Herbert will go to convention against all kinds of strong challengers. Having two guys from local government is not a strong ticket. Nordfelt brings nothing to a convention fight. Nothing. Zip. Nada. Herbert has to bring a conservative. And not one of these recordless types. Hughes does make sense.

MarkS | 4:20 p.m. May 16, 2009

Any groundwork for state delegates right now will be with POTENTIAL delegates, as the ones who will actually vote in the governor's race won't be selected until the March caucus. I imagine a lot of the work between now and March will be to find electable delegates across the hundreds of precincts that will support a specific candidacy. Not an easy task! This will make for a great state convention next year.

China or bust | 4:38 p.m. May 16, 2009

Waddoups and Hughes are the obvious front runners. If Herbert is as smart as he seems I would think he sees the wisdom in having a conservative who is good with the delegates and has legislative experience.

Great news | 4:51 p.m. May 16, 2009

Herbert will be our governor for the next 7 1/2 years and I couldn't be happier about it.

missing the tan already | 5:32 p.m. May 16, 2009

I think Huntsman did a great job, I think Herbert will need a partner who will already be up to speed on state issues. Getting a conservative would help him in convention and that is where the fight will be.

Lighten the Heavy Hand | 6:43 p.m. May 16, 2009

I just hope Gov. Herbert will lift the mandatory "four ten-hour days" work week that Gov. Huntsman imposed on state employees, without giving them any say. It was the height of arrogance. Hopefully the new administration will have more respect for all the citizens of the state, even the working class.

Herbert and Hughes!?! | 10:33 p.m. May 16, 2009

What a pair the would be! A couple of back-room far-right GOP street thugs!

Would that be the first time we had a Gov and Lt Gov with zero college degrees between them? Sounds like their arrogant buddy Mark Walker: we know the process and have the delegates in the palms of our hands. Who needs qualifications?

Jorge | 7:26 a.m. May 17, 2009

Back to horse and buggy and high button shoes! There goes the ol' neighborhood.

Other Salt Lakers | 9:24 a.m. May 17, 2009

There are other intriguing LG possibilities from Salt Lake that are not current legislators: former party boss James Evans, former state sen. Carlene Walker, and WVC Councilman Mike Winder, to name a few. Herbert should look at the recent votes for central committee members and see who is popular with delegates, and who is not.

Tyler Kay | 11:23 a.m. May 17, 2009

I find it interesting that Herbert has allegedly locked-up support of key businesses when the possibility still is very strong that Beattie will throw his hat in the ring. His support would be high among buiness leaders he's worked with on key legislation while serving as Chamber president. The CEOs of Utah's major companies sought him out. He helped push transportation funding, he's moved the ball forward in health reform and has proven to be a strong executive adept at working with the legislature where he was senate president for a number of years.
Shurtleff would be a strong candidate but it may seem slightly opportunistic to change direction after his mis-guided tweet announcing the senate challenge.
Before we coronate Lt. Gov. Herbert, we should remember he may have a head start but he doesn't have the 2010 nomination locked up at all.
I also agree with the comment above that it's not about the current delegates, it's about the delegates who will actually be in place to choose the Republican candidate.
Anything can happen in the wacky convention set-up used by Utah's GOP.

TonyP4 | 1:31 p.m. May 17, 2009

Never use our yardstick on human right on a developing country like China.

American contributes more pollution per capita than China esp. some pollution is caused by manufacturing for global consumers.

We can build carriers powered by two nuclear generators and China cannot build helicopters. What a joke!

Are you serious? | 4:33 p.m. May 17, 2009

Greg Hughes would be a suicidal pick for Herbert. I know the crazy conservatives love him, but appoint him as LG as just watch the political opponents start coming out of the woodwork.

Go Nordfelt for Lt. Gov. | 12:29 a.m. May 18, 2009

I don't know if he would want the position or if it is being considered. However, if this were to happen I would fully support it. I had his son as a religious teacher. I once lived near another son. I also have met him a few times as well. He is a great guy who I trust more than anyone else to be open minded and thoughtful of all present parties to any conflict. I believe he would be a fine candidate and would bring a great friendliness to the new administration for our state.

Huntsmans Early Political Grave | 6:45 a.m. May 18, 2009

Once you go the ambassadorial route, you're only fit for speeches... think Alan Keyes. Whatever hopes Huntsman had for a presidential run are gone.

Nordfelt Would Be A Fine Choice | 9:13 a.m. May 18, 2009

Nordfelt would be a fine choice. Whether or not he would be interested, I do not know. Nordfelt is a man of immense experience throughout the state, and well beyond. He would be a very sensible and responsible choice.

Rousta Weasel | 10:29 a.m. May 18, 2009

Nordfelt for Lt. Gov., heck! Nordfelt for Governor!!
Dennis Nordfelt is a man of high integrity while Gary Herbert is an arrogant weasel.
Huntsman only needed Herbert to secure his Utah County constituents-except for that Hebert was excess backage.

Grandpa!(Dennis Nordfelt) | 5:10 p.m. May 19, 2009

Dennis Nordfelt is my grandpa and I think he is awesome! He is nice to everyone he meets, even if they are mean to him. He is reall a great choice.

jake the spud | 10:52 p.m. May 24, 2009

dennis nordfelt is my grandpa and he is awesome! it would be very smart to choose him as your lt. gov.

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Pignanelli & Webb: Huntsman's departure opening many doors

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Pignanelli & Webb: Huntsman's departure opening many doors