This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2004, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Gov.-elect Jon Huntsman Jr. this week privately told top state executives who will stay in his Cabinet and who will go.
Thursday, Agriculture Commissioner Cary Peterson became a casualty of the transition, officially resigning a position he held for 12 years under Govs. Mike Leavitt and Olene Walker. His announcement follows those of departing Natural Resources Director Robert Morgan, Health Department Director Scott Williams and state Elections Director Amy Naccarato.
More resignations are expected to be forthcoming.
Peterson's leave-taking fuels speculation that Moroni Republican Sen. Leonard Blackham will quit the State Senate to take over as head of the Department of Agriculture and Food.
Huntsman Chief of Staff Jason Chaffetz refused to confirm rumors that Blackham will take Peterson's place. The governor-elect plans to introduce his 16-member Cabinet on Jan. 5.
"Until then, we're going to keep quiet about potential replacements," Chaffetz said.
But Blackham did not discourage chatter about a possible career change. "I can't confirm that," he said. "Just be patient for another couple of days."
Along with Blackham, Delta GOP Rep. Mike Styler is considered a frontrunner for the top job at the State Natural Resources Department.
Both Blackham, a turkey farmer, and Styler, a school teacher, were just re-elected - Blackham to a four-year term, Styler to two years. Before either man could join Huntsman's Cabinet, they would have to resign their posts in the Legislature.
Peterson said during his tenure the Agriculture and Food Department achieved top meat inspection status, allowed domestic elk farming in the state, developed a groundwater/pesticide management plan and started an Egg Quality Assurance Program.
"This move now allows me to devote my energies full-time to my family-owned cattle ranch," Peterson said.
If Blackham joins Huntsman's Cabinet, his resignation would leave an opening that is being sought by Peterson's son, outgoing Nephi Republican Rep. Darin Peterson, who unsuccessfully challenged Blackham for his Senate seat in the June primary. Also mentioned as possible replacements for Blackham are former Sanpete County Commissioner Eddie Cox and Rep. Brad Johnson, R-Aurora.
Legislative vacancies are filled by having party delegates nominate a replacement, who then is appointed by the governor.