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A Russian pilot downed by rebel fighters in Syria killed himself with a grenade to avoid being captured by the jihadists, Moscow has confirmed. Video footage filmed by the rebels themselves, sees Major Roman Filipov shouting 'This is for our guys!' before detonating the explosives as the fighters surround him.

Rick Perry’s record on immigration isn’t as bad as I thought. It’s worse! … It’s not just that he doesn’t want to build the border fence. Many fence opponents argue (though I disagree) that it’s far more important to take away the “jobs magnet” that lures illegals to try to cross the border in the first place. But Perry hasn’t supported the quickest, best way to take away the jobs magnet, which is to require all private employers to use the “E-Verify” electronic check of Social Security numbers. Perry wouldn’t even require his own state government to use E-Verify, let...

PHOENIX, Arizona (AFP) — Senator John McCain appears set to romp home in Arizona's Republican primary, but only after tacking right and spending millions of dollars to counter a threat from a former conservative radio show host. Voters also head to the polls Tuesday for primary elections in Florida, Vermont and Alaska and results are being closely watched as a litmus test of the anti-incumbent mood in the run up to mid-term elections in November. Results such as Arizona may predict whether insurgent candidates, especially Republicans backed by staunchly anti-government Tea Party groups, will continue to make advances over those...

Some House Republicans introduced a bill they said would improve border security on federal lands. It would transfer operational control of lands along the national border to the Department of Homeland Security, instead of the Interior Department or Forest Service. Rep. Rob Bishop...and other lawmakers accused federal land managers of “hiding behind the law” to place wilderness or endangered species ahead of border safety. In one instance, a tower used by Border Patrol agents was removed because of concerns about endangered species... Bishop said federal border lands have become a dangerous, “unpatrolled highway” open to drug smugglers and other criminals...

Conservative radio commentator and former Scottsdale congressman J.D. Hayworth is consider a run against U.S. Sen. John McCain in next year’s Republican primary. A source in Arizona who asked not to be identified said Hayworth is pondering the move. The possible challenge also was reported Monday in the Washington Post.

Senator John McCain, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, on Friday is scheduled to meet with two Republican governors who have been prominently mentioned as potential running mates, according to Republicans familiar with Mr. McCain’s plan. Charlie Crist, the governor of Florida, and Bobby Jindal, the governor of Louisiana, have both accepted invitations to meet with Mr. McCain at his home in Arizona, according to Republican familiars with the decision. One Republican said that Mitt Romney, a former rival of Mr. McCain for the presidential nomination — is also expected to visit him this weekend. Mr. Romney’s advisers declined to comment.

McCain MirageThe senator is not ready-for-prime-time commander-in-chief.By Andrew C. McCarthySenator John McCain’s ascendancy in the Republican presidential race has been truly remarkable. Yet, it’s no groundswell. To this point, about two out of every three primary and caucus participants have voted against him. If the Democrats and independents some states permit to crash the Grand Old Party were factored out, his standing in the Republican base would be even less impressive. Still, you have to hand it to his admirers: They have parlayed his thin support into an aura of inevitability. The glow could intensify this week, when McCain is...

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