When Utah politicians collide, charities benefit

South Jordan • What happens when a renegade Republican and daredevil Democrat hit the track to mangle three tons of steel in their souped-up hot rods of doom?

Destruction. Total, bipartisan destruction.

Saturday night, Salt Lake County fairgoers were treated to a demolition derby featuring county Mayor Ben McAdams and Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox, who spent much of the week leading up to the showdown talking smack. It marked the continuation of a pointed (but friendly) rivalry between the two politicians.

The state's No. 2 executive got approval from his boss, Gov. Gary Herbert, before he agreed to the challenge.

"His exact words were, 'Well, I've replaced one lieutenant governor. I can do it again,' " Cox said.

McAdams assures no public money was used in the stunt and both sought to raise money for charity.

McAdams is donating any money raised to the Sol Scholarship Foundation, which provides educational assistance to people or families dealing with drug or alcohol addiction. Cox was raising money for The Road Home homeless shelter.