Free Republic

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said yesterday he wouldn't fire his top staffer, Democrat Susan Kennedy, to appease Republican activists worried about his move toward the middle. "I will hire the people I want to hire because they are the best," he said. "I will keep Susan Kennedy exactly where she is." Schwarzenegger discussed a wide range of issues during his appearance at the Sacramento Press Club, saying voters should decide whether California enacts a physician-assisted suicide law and pledging to release his tax returns for the past 10 years. During his career before he became governor, Schwarzenegger said, "90...

Iraq's Defense Ministry has announced the arrest of the most wanted man in Iraq: Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, a deputy to Saddam Hussein. Other officials say at least 70 people were killed in the operation. Defense ministry officials say Iraq's National Guard backed by U.S. forces made the arrest on the outskirts of Tikrit - Saddam Hussein's home town and a stronghold of support. Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri was the most senior aide to Saddam Hussein and the most senior official to escape capture, until now. Interior Ministry officials say clashes surrounding the arrest left at least 70 dead. Another 80 supporters...