With his landslide win over sacrificial Democrat Bob Springmeyer, Huntsman earns the political capital to continue his efforts to protect the state from nuclear waste, provide affordable health care

for all Utahns, improve public schools and carry on his campaign to combat climate change while positioning Utah to be a leader in the new energy-technology economy.

Huntsman should continue his pragmatic approach to governance, and maintain his moderate voice of reason that serves to counterbalance the GOP legislative majority, which leans to the right of the

electorate as a whole.

In key races involving legislative leaders, voters sent a mixed message.

Curt Bramble, R-Provo, the majority leader of the Senate, where ethics reform bills go to die, retained his heavily Republican seat with a win over challenger RaDene Hatfield.

But the third try was charmed for Democrat Jay Seegmiller, who did the entire state a favor by upending House Speaker Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, closing Curtis' 14-year career and opening the door for more open, transparent, responsive government. More than anyone else, Curtis personifies the backroom deals, arrogance and blind eye to ethical issues that have come to characterize the Legislature, and undermine its credibility.

In state office races, the electorate sided with experienced Republicans, re-electing level-headed auditor Auston Johnson to a fourth term as the watchdog over state finances, and elevating highly

qualified Chief Deputy Treasurer Richard Ellis to the open seat in the Treasurer's office. Independent-minded Attorney General Mark Shurtleff was also returned to office.

Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon, who ran on a record of reform, fiscal restraint and accomplishment in the environmental, quality of life and public safety realms, was rightly rewarded with a second term by an overwhelming margin. A greater gift: The voters gave Corroon a Democratic majority on the county council to help advance his agenda.

In local options, the electorate was for the birds and the animals. Salt Lake County voters heartily agreed to a slight tax increase on their homes in order to provide better homes for the inhabitants of Tracy Aviary and the Hogle Zoo.