Surely many Salon readers have heard the rumor that Republican vice presidential nominee Gov. Sarah Palin somehow “faked” her fifth pregnancy to cover up for a child actually born to her eldest, teenage daughter Bristol

Now comes this bombshell: Bristol is five months pregnant right now!

This is one fertile family.

A truly stunning development.

Update: Here is the official statement from the campaign about the pregnancy:

"We have been blessed with five wonderful children who we love with all our heart and mean everything to us. Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents. As Bristol faces the responsibilities of adulthood, she knows she has our unconditional love and support.

"Bristol and the young man she will marry are going to realize very quickly the difficulties of raising a child, which is why they will have the love and support of our entire family. We ask the media to respect our daughter and Levi's privacy as has always been the tradition of children of candidates."

― Thomas Schaller