Kristin Dobbin on the impending Herbert administration

The next six months will quite possibly be painful ones, I am talking of course, of the reign of our soon to be Governor Gary Herbert. When current Governor Huntsman is confirmed as the US ambassador to China he will be succeeded by Lt. Gary. Governor Gary Herbert until a November 2009 special election determines a more permanent successor. But what does this mean for some long-term progressive agenda items supported by Governor Huntsman?

The most damning of all reversals I foresee in the immediate future are those having to do with climate change and combating climate change. As we all know Huntsman has been supportive of such causes. Herbert not so much… the fact that he doesn’t believe in human-caused global warming is not too promising. So far, Herbert has said that he does not plan to pull us out of the bi-partisan cap and trade program, however seeing as I am naturally skeptical, I am not too sure.

Another possible deviation could come in the form of a starkly different policy regarding same-sex marriage and equality than the one held by our current Governor Huntsman. It is well known that Huntsman supported the Common Grounds initiative and civil unions (however I am skeptical about his true level of commitment to this cause). Herbert on the other hand, has already indicated that in terms of this issue, his administration will be shifting to a more conservative view.

The good news is that with only six months until election, massive overhauls will be difficult and with a more progressive pool of voters in Utah than ever before, hopefully Herbert will think twice about excessive conservative policy changes before a probable election bid. But looking at the two above issues is a good reminder that in order to avoid sweeping changes in these and other categories, we as Democrats, must elect a Democratic governor in November 2009. With stimulus funds flowing into the state and support from our nation's capitol, we need to, as a state, take the opportunity to move towards a more sustainable and fair minded society, which will only be done effectively without people like Herbert and Shurtleff in the highest office of the state.

- Kristin Dobbin