Just days before today's state Republican Convention, a handful of delegates locked horns with party leaders over state delegate rules and won.

Joyce Hogan, a prominent Tooele County Republican, was removed as a delegate representing a Dugway precinct 30 miles away from her home in Stockton after party dissidents pressed the issue as a violation of party rules.

If the battle is any indication of things to come, today's organizing convention at the Davis Conference Center in Layton could be one raucous caucus.

More likely, it will be mild-mannered gathering of conservatives united by their disdain of Democratic rule in Washington, D.C. Intra-party wrestling for elected office in Utah doesn't get serious until the 2010 convention.

Instead, the gathering of hundreds of delegates will be focused on picking new party leaders.

State Republican Chairman Stan Lockhart is stepping down after one two-year term. Vying to take his place are longtime political consultant Dave Hansen, former Salt Lake County Councilman Steve Harmsen, Highland businessman Jared Law and Brian Jenkins, a Sarasota Springs loan officer.

Former state lawmaker Morgan Philpot is challenging current vice chairman Todd Weiler.

Ken Blackwell, former Ohio secretary of state and an unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate, will be the keynote speaker.

But Utah Republicans' most rapt attention may be reserved for Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert, who is in

line to take over the state's top spot once Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. is confirmed as U.S. ambassador to China.

The next time Herbert addresses Republican delegates he will be one among a number of expected candidates for governor, so today's platform could be prime opportunity for him to appeal to party faithful he'll need to win next year's election.

Dan Harrie contributed to this article.