This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Political insiders are already chattering about who might make a run for governor in 2016, all of it premised on the idea that, if Gov. Gary Herbert wins re-election on Nov. 6, it will be his last term in office.
There's one guy who might still have something to say about that: Gov. Gary Herbert.
In a recent interview, Herbert said he's leaving his options open for 2016, assuming he retains the office Nov. 6.
"Who knows? It would be premature to say. I obviously have got this campaign to do," Herbert said. "2016 is what you're asking about. That's a long time away. It's way too early to make that decision, but I certainly haven't ruled out running again."
If Herbert decides to run again and wins in 2016, he would be on track to become the second-longest serving governor in Utah history. Cal Rampton was elected and served three terms. Mike Leavitt served 2 ½ terms — 10 years and 10 months to be exact.
Herbert could clock in at 11 years and four months if he were to leave office in January 2020.
— Robert GehrkeTwitter: @RobertGehrke