Huntsman has found sponsors for his ideas for executive branch ethics reform and restructuring several agencies, including splitting the Department of Community and Economic Development.

How far those bills get remains to be seen. Some of the governor's initiatives, particularly limits on campaign donations and term limits, are suggestions lawmakers have rejected for themselves.

Most of the legislation is in the form of empty "boxcar" bills waiting to be filled with specifics. Huntsman has enlisted sponsors from both sides of the political aisle - Republican and Democrat - and from the House and Senate.

"Representatives have been very willing to work with us," said Huntsman legislative liaison Mike Mower. "In our discussions, we're working closely with them."

The first "Huntsman bill," limiting Utah governors to two terms, is scheduled for discussion this morning. Cottonwood Heights Republican Sen. Carlene Walker's bill would stop a gubernatorial candidate from running for a third term. Huntsman asked Walker to sponsor the proposed constitutional amendment; he has pledged to hold himself to no more than eight years. Utah voters could make it official by approving an amendment that would take effect Jan. 1, 2007.

In 1994, lawmakers passed legislation to limit governors to 8 years in office and themselves to 12 years in a move designed to neutralize former Congressman Merrill Cook's ballot term-limits ballot initiative. Two years ago, legislators repealed that law. Walker notes that about one-third of the Legislature is replaced every two years through retirements and elections anyway. She says institutional memory is important in at least one branch of government. But leaving a governor in office for years leads to "dead wood."

"Change is healthy," Walker said.

Holladay Democratic Rep. Carol Moss has not limited her Huntsman-requested legislation to the governor's office. House Bill 365 would set a two-year "cooling off" period before any public official leaving office can become a lobbyist.

"It's unseemly to have this revolving door" of elected officials-turned-lobbyists, Moss said. "At the very worst, it may be unethical."

House Speaker Greg Curtis said the future of the governor's initiatives will depend on time and the details of the bills. Curtis said Huntsman's agency restructuring bills will be complex and time-consuming.

"We want to make sure it's not an attempt to grow government," he said. "We'd really like to see some efficiencies, not just changing the tags on the doors."

Curtis acknowledged some lawmakers worry the election reforms could set a precedent and increase pressure for legislative rules to conform.