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SALT LAKE CITY (AP) -- Utah House Speaker Marty Stephens was to be installed Friday as president of the National Conference of State Legislatures.
"It's nice to put on my resume," but he doubts the position resonates with Utah voters, Stephens, a potential gubernatorial candidate, said while at the group's meeting this week in San Francisco.
The honor "enhances Utah's name," said Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, D-Holladay, who also attended the meeting and was quoted by The Salt Lake Tribune. "It's more problematic for Marty than anyone else, because he'll have to divide his time."
Stephens acknowledged it would not be easy balancing a campaign with his jobs as bank executive, speaker and NCSL leader.
"Something has to give," the Farr West Republican said. "If I decide to run for governor, I will likely take a leave of absence from (Zions Bank) for the duration of the campaign."
Stephens' NCSL presidency expires in July 2004, well before the November election, but immediate past presidents often are called to testify at congressional hearings.
As president-elect, Stephens has flown to 10 states on NCSL business and spent the past week in committee meetings, at receptions, on city tours and greeting international delegates.
(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
