Curtis, a Sandy Republican known for a brawny style of leadership, had served two terms as speaker and was planning a third until Democrat Jay Seegmiller changed his plans in Tuesday's election.

The next speaker will be elected Tuesday by the Republican Caucus. While no one has publicly declared a challenge to Clark, the current majority leader, he said Wednesday he is taking nothing for granted.

But that hasn't stopped the Santa Clara Republican from thinking about how the House would run under his leadership. First and foremost, Clark said the House needs to put aside differences that have cropped up during a summer and fall filled with allegations and ethics charges.

"It's time to do some healing and look at what's best for people in Utah, particularly when we have so many challenges facing us," he said.

Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake City, said he has gotten to know Clark's leadership style as he has worked on the Health Insurance Task Force.

"If his style of leadership is indicative of his leadership as speaker, he has been inclusive and thoughtful," Litvack said.

Clark uses words such as "collaborative" and "bridge builder" to characterize his leadership style. He also embraces the label of "fiscally conservative."

As an executive for Zions Bank, Clark realizes the economy will be one of the biggest concerns.

"If you've ever talked to your banker, you wouldn't paint them as liberal," he said. "It's important to be fiscally conservative all the time, but especially in the lean times."

He also says he supports ethics reform measures the House has passed before - only to see them blocked by the Senate - such as banning lobbyist gifts valued at more than $5 or $10.

"The House has repeatedly had an appetite for those reforms. Maybe the circumstances we've gone through over the last few months have brought that to the public's attention," Clark said.

If elected, Clark would be the first House Speaker from southern Utah since Walter Granger, a Democrat from Cedar City, was elected in 1935. But Clark doesn't see Washington County getting special treatment because of his potential position.

"I don't think the speaker's job is to bring home the bacon," he said. "I'll do what's best on behalf of the state. That's my approach."

smcfarland@sltrib.com