This is my own version, a shameless rip off that applies Esquire's concept to the 2005 Legislature and the people who make our laws? So, with an admission of my complete subjectivity, here is my "Utah Legislators We Love."

First, some background. The list is hardly exhaustive. And it isn't about being a Republican or Democrat. Yes, I'm a lefty, but I found plenty to appreciate among a cadre of GOP legislators that frequently puts common sense and respect for the will of the people ahead of grabbing power and harboring grudges against political and philosophical adversaries.

Also, unlike Esquire, my list is hardly a beauty contest. It's more about being human. People on my list are statesmanlike. They are kind and patient. They are often humble. They know how to listen while resisting the urge to grandstand, bloviate and preach.

2005 Utah Legislators We Love:

* Rep. DeMar "Bud" Bowman, R-Cedar City. For his country-boy ease and good humor, it's hard to pass up Bowman. His buzz haircut always sharp, the retired Utah Highway Patrolman oversaw the unbelievably politically stacked House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee (eight Republicans, three Democrats) with patience and compassion.

Bowman always put nervous witnesses who testified at ease. He crossed predictable party lines. He was the only Republican on his committee to support hate-crimes legislation. Late last week, as archconservative members of his party argued against finding money in our big surplus for the state's share of the Children's Health Insurance Plan, he spoke passionately for the children, sharing a story about his own daughter who benefited from the program when she was down on her luck. This man knows that sometimes government really can help.

* Sen. Greg Bell, R-Fruit Heights. Here's one Davis County resident Rocky Anderson might invite to dinner. The former Farmington mayor is a real estate developer and chairman of Envision Utah. Huh? Seriously, he champions thoughtful urban planning and mass transit. Last week, Bell went mano a mano with fellow Republican and Senate Transportation Committee chairman Curtis Bramble, who talked over him as Bell tried to explain why building commuter and light rail is a regional issue, and that yes, Utah County should step up and take a tax increase to finance its share.

Bell has worked to limit gifts from lobbyists, always unsuccessfully. I've come to think of him as the Abe Lincoln of the Legislature - tall and lanky, but silver-haired and lacking the beard and stovepipe hat.

* Rep. Ralph Becker, D-Salt Lake City. The consummate gentleman and leader of the struggling minority party, Becker returns every year with new resolve that the Democrats at least get heard. He's not a bad backcountry skier, either.

* Rep. Pat Jones, D-Holladay. Perennial conscience of the House, Jones makes the list in part because she urged her colleagues to slow down when they got too hasty (as in dismantling child protection laws) and speed up when the issue was bogging down. When supporting the House version of hate-crimes legislation, Jones stated the obvious, but to no avail. "Some things that seem simple are always more complex. And some things really are simple. For the life of me, I cannot understand the opposition to this bill."

hmullen@sltrib.com