The Salt Lake County mayor, rocked but resolute, learns today whether she faces two felony counts of misusing public money. The announcement could determine the mayor's political future and shape the outcome of the general election.

Workman, who vigorously denies criminal wrongdoing, planned to meet in a soul-searching session with top Republicans at her home Monday evening to discuss options.

A bipartisan panel of prosecutors said last week there was "sufficient credible evidence" to levy charges against her for allegedly breaking the law in paying two successive accountants to work at the South Valley Boys and Girls Club, where the mayor's daughter is the chief financial officer. Party officials predicted "a healthy discussion" during the evening meeting - but no big decisions.

Earlier in the day, unaffiliated mayoral candidate Merrill Cook hand-delivered a letter to the incumbent's home - he left it on her porch when no one answered - telling the mayor that it would be "absolutely fraudulent" for her to be certified as mentally or physically disabled.

It would take that kind of certification to wipe her name from the ballot, thus allowing the GOP to pick a "white knight" to take her place. If she is charged today as expected, Workman must be placed on paid leave, and her name would remain on the ballot.

"Besides the illegality, it would be a highly manipulative and cynical move that would only spew more venom into an already poisonous atmosphere," Cook's letter said.

Workman campaign manager Chris Bleak called the idea "malarkey."

"We haven't even discussed it," he said Monday. "It would be premature to make any moves."

Democratic opponent Peter Corroon, who has vaulted to front-runner status since the panel's recommendation, declined to enter the fray. While attending Labor Day festivities at a Magna park, he said his game plan has not changed.

"We have no intention of partaking in this partisan, political gamesmanship," Corroon said while calling the whole affair "tragic. We expect all candidates to live by the letter and the spirit of the law."

Some prominent Republicans have called for Workman to step down. But the mayor, who accuses Democratic District Attorney David Yocom of "persecuting" her for political gain, has steadfastly refused.

"She seems to feel sorry that we're in the situation we're in," said Tiani Coleman, Salt Lake County Republican chairwoman. "She also feels determined to let justice be served in the best way possible."

Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan, a Workman confidant who planned to be at Monday night's meeting, said the mayor should do what is best for her and her family.

"In my conversations, I can tell you she is firm in her intent to vindicate herself," he said. "It's not easy. I just can't imagine the stress she is going through."

Perhaps the biggest player in the outcome remains politics.

Democratic County Councilman Randy Horiuchi said he would be shocked to see Workman bow out - if only for the boost it could provide Cook.

"I think it's personally disdainful to her that if she drops out of the race, she hands the [GOP] reins to Merrill Cook," he said.

Cook, a perennial Republican candidate in several past races, opted to run unaffiliated in this race.

Horiuchi predicts that the first-ever Salt Lake County mayor is equally unlikely to be swayed by party bigwigs.

"I think she will take everything they say under advisement, and then make the decision herself," he said. "That's kind of the way Nancy is."

djensen@sltrib.com