Utah House Speaker Marty Stephens gave up the chance for a high-ranking post in a national legislative organization because he refused to rule out a bid for governor in 2004.
Members of the National Conference of State Legislature's 12-member nominating committee asked the Farr West Republican to promise to not seek non-legislative elected office as requisite to becoming NCSL vice president. He would have assumed the presidency in 2003.
"They put me in a tough spot," Stephens said.
Stephens, who returned Wednesday from the NCSL annual convention in San Antonio, said he was led to believe the committee wouldn't require a commitment. But during his interview it was clear "that's what they wanted me to do."
His refusal, however, shouldn't be interpreted as a campaign announcement, Stephens said.
"It's just way to early," he said, noting it has been less than a year since the last gubernatorial election. "I'm just not prepared to make those kinds of decisions yet."
Stephens' name usually comes up among potential Republican gubernatorial candidates including Provo Mayor Lewis Billings, Utah County Commission Gary Herbert, outgoing GOP Chairman Rob Bishop and former Utah House Speaker Nolan Karras. Billings, who's running for re-election, said last week he couldn't commit to finishing a second term if he wins. State Sen. Parley Hellewell, R—Orem, is about the only one to say he's definitely in the race.
Republican Gov. Mike Leavitt was elected to a third term last November. He has not said whether he'll go after an unprecedented fourth term.
Scott Parker, state GOP chairman, it's premature to speculate on who'll run for governor three years from the election. Dozens of names will come and go.
Of Stephens he said, "He just doesn't want to close the door. I think that's fair this far out."
Stephens, currently in his second term as House speaker, also has not decided whether to run for a third two-year term after the 2002 election.
Stephens doesn't care for the gubernatorial name game because he says he still has to work with the governor and state Senate.
"To have this kind of speculation swirling around is not helpful," he said. But "I guess it's to be expected."
E-mail: romboy@desnews.com