The Utah Senate unanimously confirmed state Sen. Greg Bell to be the state's lieutenant governor, praising his selection and expressing respect for their departing colleague.

Sen. Lyle Hillyard, R-Logan, said he had some reluctance in voting for Bell, since he has been a trusted friend and colleague. "It will never be the same," Hillyard said.

The outcome of the vote was a foregone conclusion, essentially since Gov. Gary Herbert selected the senator from Fruit Heights and former Farmington mayor to be his No. 2 last month.

In addressing his Senate colleagues after the 27-0 vote, Bell pledged to "show civility and respect for everyone."

"Let's talk more about principles and policies and practices and not so much about people. Let's give alternatives and not complaints and, most importantly, let's talk to each other," Bell said. "I want to do all I can to avoid ... polarization in the State of Utah. Let's do all we can to avoid that self-righteousness and finger-pointing and personal attacks."

Following his remarks, Bell handed Senate President Mike Waddoups, R-Taylorsville, a copy of his resignation. He was sworn in by 2nd District Judge David Connors, who followed Bell as mayor of Farmington.

Herbert, who joined Waddoups on the dais for the vote, said afterwards that he believes Bell is "uniquely qualified" to be lieutenant governor and is someone "who is inclusive, who is respectful in his views, who's willing to listen to opposing views and try to bring people together."

As he signed the certificate to formalize the appointment, Bell had three pocket watches on the table -- an antique from his father, an anniversary gift from his wife, and one from his children given to him when he was nominated.

The watch from his children was inscribed with one of his favorite quotes from Atticus Finch, the country lawyer in the book To Kill A Mockingbird : "The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."

"[The governor] made a great choice," said Senate Minority Leader Pat Jones, D-Holladay. "We look forward to working with you and our friend Senator Bell."

The lieutenant governor has authority over enforcing the state's elections and campaign finance law. The position has traditionally also carried some additional responsibilities. Herbert, for example, handled rural affairs, emergency preparedness, transportation and water issues for his predecessor, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr., who is now the U.S. ambassador to China.

Herbert said Tuesday that he expects Bell will take over many of Herbert's former duties, and he anticipates that Bell will act as his office's liaison to the Legislature.

Bell is a developer and lawyer, who has served in the Senate since 2003. He was mayor of Farmington from 1994 to 2002 and served on the City Council before that.

He is generally seen as having a moderate streak, and his selection as lieutenant governor was opposed by some conservative groups, mainly the Utah Eagle Forum, who feared he had been too supportive of gay rights.

In 2003, when then-Gov. Mike Leavitt was nominated by President George W. Bush to be the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, incoming Gov. Olene Walker's choice for the second spot was not subject to Senate approval.

That law was changed, however, through an amendment to the state Constitution in 2008, requiring the consent of state senators.

The Senate's review was largely a formality. The committee that reviewed the nomination voted unanimously to approve Bell, and none of the members asked any questions of the nominee.

Sen. Scott Jenkins, R-Plain City, was the only senator who had a disparaging word for Bell.

"This is kind of controversial for me. Senator Bell, when I was a young boy, shot my brother in the foot with a BB gun," he said. "He and I share the same grandfather and he would be proud today and I vote aye."

Republican delegates in Bell's Senate district are scheduled to meet Sept. 12 to pick his replacement. Eight candidates have filed for the seat.

Republican senators also plan to meet next month to replace Bell as assistant majority whip. Sens. Wayne Neiderhauser, Allen Christensen and Kevin Van Tassell are seeking the job.