At first blush, a lesbian carrying a child for two gay men would be the type of thing that would make most legislators’ heads explode. Except, when it actually happens, the reaction runs counter to expectations. Rep. Christine Johnson, D-Salt Lake City, is currently in the second trimester of a pregnancy that is the result of artificial insemination—the egg is hers, the sperm from a gay man in a committed relationship whom she has not revealed. One of the first people she told was Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, whose response was to bring her some eggs from his backyard chickens (damned hippie locavore!) because the extra protein is good for the fetus. Also, House Speaker Dave Clark, R-Santa Clara, told the Deseret News that “it’s the gift of life” and the unborn child will trump political ideology. It’s good to see that pro-life conservatives are willing to support anyone carrying a baby, even if the stork is flying with a rainbow flag.
Take a deep breath. Chewy? Chunky? Any time air can be described in terms better reserved for peanut brittle, it’s a problem. This week, the five worst cities in the nation for air quality were in northern Utah. That’s a dubious honor, but also one that is increasingly common. More so, it is one that could cost the state money, since the feds may withhold road funds for areas with air that tastes like stale holiday candy.
The 2010 elections finally got more interesting, thanks to the entry of multiple candidates recently. On Jan. 5, uber-constitutionalist Mike Lee announced that he is officially challenging Sen. Bob Bennett, R-Utah, for the Republican nomination. Lee is a conservative darling who has been building a constituent base with town hall meetings but also has “party insider” credibility because he has worked as former Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.’s chief counsel. Meanwhile, Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon decided to challenge Gov. Gary Herbert in 2010, which is important because nobody had challenged Herbert. While Corroon’s late entry—he announced Jan. 12—puts him at a disadvantage, he has the money and energy to make up ground. Also, former City Weekly editor Holly Mullen is running for the Salt Lake County Council, and Greg Skordas is running for Salt Lake County District Attorney. Added bonus: Maybe all of the extra hot air can blow away the inversion.
