Brigham says in a speech that his role as governor is influenced by his position in the priesthood.
"Remarks by President Brigham Young, Tabernacle, June 17, 1855," Deseret News, July 18, 1855, 148
Though I may not be Governor here, my power will not be diminished. No man they can send here will have much influence with this community, unless he be the man of their choice. Let them send whom they will, and it does not diminish my influence one particle. As I said, the first time I spoke on this stand, my Governorship and ever other ship under my control, are aided and derive direct advantages from my position in the priesthood.