Lesbian Parents, Inversion Costs & More Challengers
Artificial insemination ain't so bad.
By Josh Loftin
Family Matters
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.
Heavy Breathing
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.
Electoral Latecomers
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.
More by Josh Loftin
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Smoking Help, Farm Taxes & Gallivan Skating
Apparently, Salt Lake City officials believe that a premium price is justified for a small, outdoor rink with an ambiance that includes construction noise and heavy equipment ...
- Dec 1, 2010
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Amendment Madness, Free Legal Aid & Lobbyist Influence
U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, plans to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would allow states to veto an action ...
- Nov 24, 2010
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Anti-affirmative action, TSA Protest & Federal $$
Legislators look to stop affirmative action. Jason Chaffetz still hates body scanners, but doesn't want to protest them in airports. And Utah legislators hate federal money a little bit less after elections.
- Nov 17, 2010
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