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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Gov. Jon Huntsman's appointment to the post of U.S. ambassador to China will leave the state without one of its most charismatic leaders, while giving Democrats their best opportunity yet to retake the governor's mansion.
Huntsman, 49, is the most popular governor in state history. He earned record-high approval ratings by tending to his conservative base while pursuing a moderate agenda in a manner the state had not seen.
"Traditionally, governors play hard ball," said Utah Republican Party Chairman Stan Lockhart. "Jon Huntsman came in and said 'That's not the way I'm going to do it. I'm going to be nice.'"
Huntsman rarely criticized anyone publicly and complimented everyone, including Democrats. Huntsman was primarily able to avoid offending anyone by rarely commenting on legislation until he had signed it into law, often after a bill had been approved by a vetoproof majority.
Replacing Huntsman will be Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert, a former Utah County commissioner whose primary responsibility is conducting elections. Herbert will serve as governor until 2010 when a special election will be held.
A timeline on the transition of power will be released on Monday, Huntsman's office said.
"I stand here in my final term as governor with plenty to do. I wasn't looking for a new job in life, but a call from the president changed that," Huntsman said at a White House news conference.
Democrats, who haven't held the governor's office since 1985, are already discussing who might challenge Herbert or any other possible Republican nominee.
"It gives both parties an opportunity to look at their potential candidates. For us, in particular, it's an opportunity for a big potential victory for us," said Utah Democratic Party Chairman Wayne Holland. "I think there are certainly conversations we've been having for awhile now, but now it's just put those names on the front burner."
U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson and Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, both popular locally, have been mentioned as potential Democratic candidates.
Brigham Young University political scientist Quin Monson said Huntsman, a former ambassador to Singapore, possessed a rare skill allowing him to relate to people, and it will be difficult to duplicate.
"Huntsman's so good he's almost got snake charmer qualities. To be in his presence is to get hypnotized," Monson said. "Gary Herbert is not going to hypnotize, but he is likable and I think people will warm up to him. I don't think Gary Herbert is a snake charmer, but he's not going to fall flat."
In a state controlled by Republicans, Huntsman was able to win over many Utah Democrats. Democratic lawmakers regularly defended Huntsman on his education spending priorities and wanted to preserve his ability to regulate the expansion of a radioactive waste dump.
Holland gave Huntsman high marks for his five years in his office, including the moderate approach he took.
Most notably, Huntsman advocated for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and extending legal rights to gay couples.
"He's been willing to be a little more courageous with the political agenda of the far right. He's been more courageous with his partners on the Western Governors Association. He's been more tolerant on human rights issues. He's gone places where other Republicans have dared not tread, and that's to his credit," Holland said.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
