Their closed-door deliberations lasted a combined two hours, and the two "moderate" attorneys who emerged to lead the Utah Senate and House will have the power to shape the decisions of the Legislature.

On the outside, their approach couldn't be more different - but both men pledge to build consensus and push issues like education, transportation and tax reform to the forefront.

"It's gratifying as well as very humbling to be chosen by your colleagues and friends," said Senate President-elect John Valentine, a tax attorney from Orem.

With three members of his leadership team, Valentine pledged an "eventful" two years as president. He will begin work today, meeting with members of the Senate caucus and selecting committee chairs, including the powerful Appropriations and Rules positions.

"Our major challenges [in the state] include transportation, public and higher education funding, and tax reform," he said. "We look forward to working with our colleagues in the House, the executive branch and the people of the state to find solutions."

His new counterpart, Rep. Greg Curtis, R-Sandy, says much the same.

"We have a new Senate president, a new speaker of the House and new governor," said Curtis, who won the speaker post over Rep. Dave Ure of Kamas. "We need to work together."

But Curtis, who replaces Marty Stephens from Farr West, may face more of a challenge in building consensus among the 75 members of the House than Valentine will find in the Senate.

Republicans and Democrats alike have quietly expressed frustration with Curtis' brusque, and sometimes brutally tough leadership style. There's also the question of Curtis' connection to the vehicle abuse scandal in Salt Lake County government.

Curtis says the vote Tuesday shows that he has the continued trust of his colleagues.

"I think they felt confident in my leadership style," he said. "My colleagues know me. I've worked with most of them for several years, and I believe they understand it [the scandal] for what it is."

With his selection as speaker, Curtis will be one of the only Republican leaders from Salt Lake County. His leadership team includes newly elected House Majority Leader Jeff Alexander from Provo, who with Valentine and Lt. Gov.-elect Gary Herbert will add clout to an already tightly knit Utah County delegation.

Taylorsville Sen. Mike Waddoups was vying for Valentine's position, but lost.

It was shift in the traditional succession of leadership, with Waddoups next in line to replace Senate President Al Mansell, R-Sandy.

"There were two good people wanting to do a good job and there's only one spot," Waddoups said.

Senate Democrats will hold leadership elections today. In the House, Salt Lake City Rep. Ralph Becker will replace Minority Leader Brent Goodfellow - a move that some within the Democratic fold say signifies a more "aggressive" approach to relations between parties in the House.

Becker, who was minority leader two years ago, pledges to be a strong advocate for the minority party but will also work to build consensus with House Republicans.