Down to the wire in 2-man GOP race in Michigan - The Washington Times

		Sunday, February 26, 2012 Today's Top Stories
Down to the wire in 2-man GOP race in Michigan Republican Mitt Romney fought Saturday to prove he is the strongest challenger to President Barack Obama, an increasingly difficult task given the tight race in his native state of Michigan against surging conservative Rick Santorum. Mandela, 93, hospitalized with stomach ailment Former South African President Nelson Mandela was hospitalized Saturday for a test to determine what is behind an undisclosed stomach ailment, and the country's current leader said the much beloved 93-year-old icon was in no danger. Nationals, Zimmerman will continue to negotiate extension until end of Saturday The Washington Nationals' first full-squad workout of the season came and went with no agreement on a contract extension for third baseman Ryan Zimmerman. Italian court ends corruption case vs Berlusconi A Milan court ended a corruption trial against Silvio Berlusconi on Saturday, ruling that the statute of limitations had run out on the case and essentially handing Italy's former premier another victory in a long string of judicial woes he has faced. Gunman kills 2 U.S. advisers in Afghan ministry A gunman killed two American military advisers inside a heavily guarded government building in the heart of Kabul Saturday as protests over the burning of the Muslim holy book at a U.S. base raged across the country for a fifth day. Syrian opposition asks for arms to topple Assad The Assad regime on Saturday continued to ignore international calls to end the violence. Sessions: Obama 'defeatist' on rising gas prices President Obama's indignant defense this week of his administration's energy policies has done nothing to deter GOP critics, as gas prices continue to rise amid worries that their continued climb could throw the economic recovery off course. Ariz. Gov. Brewer likely to skip Senate hearing on immigration Democrats on Thursday invited Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer to testify to the Senate in April on her state's tough immigration law, but her spokesman said she's not likely to attend "a publicity stunt." Putin rivals provide little opposition in Russia's election Rising discontent over corruption and a lack of real political reform ahead of Sunday's presidential election could force Vladimir Putin into a run-off as he seeks to secure a third term in the Kremlin. Retired general: U.S. can't stop Iran from making nukes A former high-ranking military official says the U.S. does not have the ability to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. At least 50 killed in Syria as regime pound rebels President Bashar Assad's forces pounded rebel-held areas in central Syria on Friday, killing at least 22 people, activists said. More than 60 nations meeting in Tunisia asked the United Nations to start planning for a civilian peacekeeping mission that would deploy after the Syrian regime halts its crackdown. More Koran protests leave 7 dead in Afghanistan The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan called on his troops to resist any urge to avenge the death of two American soldiers killed in riots over the burning of Korans at a U.S. base, even as renewed protests Friday claimed at least seven lives. U.S. senators meet Cuba's Castro about contractor A senior U.S. senator met with imprisoned American Alan Gross and discussed the man's case in a long sit-down with Cuban President Raul Castro, but told the Associated Press on Friday that Gross was not likely to be released any time soon. New-home sales dip after 4 straight monthly gains Sales of new homes dipped in January but the final quarter of 2011 was stronger than first estimated. Riot cops break up Nike shoe crowd at Fla. mall More than 100 sheriff's deputies in riot gear broke up an out-of-control crowd waiting outside a mall to buy a limited edition Nike basketball shoe. Edwards sex tape to shredder; federal trial looms The sex tape of John Edwards and his mistress is headed to the shredder, but a long list of criminal charges still hangs over the former presidential candidate over the extramarital affair that ended his political career. Commentary EDITORIAL: Disabling employment The Labor Department is about to make it harder for the disabled to find a job. The new policy is a painful reminder why it is important to get away fast when the government says it is trying to help you. KNIGHT: Lying because it works This year's presidential election will be a contest between truth and lies. Don't think it's that stark? Let's compare how the media handled two incidents. On Feb. 16, philanthropist Foster Friess, a major backer and adviser to Rick Santorum, cracked a joke that became a media sensation. DECKER: GOP race: The Michigan factor The usually inconsequential Michigan primary is a bellwether in this year's contest for the Republican presidential nomination. On Presidents Day, News Corp. boss Rupert Murdoch said of Rick Santorum's recent surge, "Win Michigan, game over." Turning the heat up on Mitt Romney, who had dropped to second place despite being a native son of the Great Lakes State, Newt Gingrich said, "I think it's extraordinarily important to carry your own state. DECKER: Five questions with Gov. Rick Scott Rick Scott is the Republican governor of Florida. A successful businessman before entering politics, Mr. Scott and his wife Ann started out owning two Kansas City doughnut shops, which his mother ran. He later founded Columbia Hospital Corporation, which in 10 years grew to become the seventh-largest employer in America with over 285,000 workers at more than 1,000 hospitals, surgery centers and home-health outlets. ALLOTT: Democrats' anti-immigrant zealotry Birtherism is alive and well. I'm not referring to doubts about President Obama's birthplace. I'm talking, instead, about mounting attacks on prominent Republicans whose parents were born abroad. Other Recent Articles Stewart seeks 1st victory in Daytona 500 States called on to restore anti-smoking funds Jackets deal Carter to Kings for Johnson, pick Oscar turns up the star power for final rehearsal A wild online ride hits the digital piracy wall AP Top Technology News At 8:19 a.m. EST A-Rod's offer to Jeremy Lin: Need a new roomie? GOP voters confused? Experts say give them a break Defending champion Wozniacki loses in Dubai semis AP Top Entertainment News At 10:16 p.m. EST St. John's beats No. 20 Notre Dame 61-58 Gail Simmons says smart, fun food TV is the future Latina chefs becoming the new face in cooking AP Top Sports News At 1:28 a.m. EST Utah's Jeremy Evans wins Slam Dunk Contest		Most Read Stories Karen Santorum: Husband's surge 'is God's will' Navy aviator's career soars; pilot he downed suffers Solyndra abandons efforts to go clean and green EDITORIAL: Obama's burning Koran apology Retired general: U.S. can't stop Iran from making nukes Latest from WT Communities Independent Social Contributors Forbidden Table Talk Despicable actions in Iran and Afghanistan: A double feature Sharia Law not forbidden in Oklahoma courts Middle Class Guy Israeli Anti-apartheid week contributes to hatred Algae for fuel: Obama's next energy plan Rights So Divine California: No justice for trafficked children The secrets to ending chocolate slavery Tango of Mind and Emotion Depression Has a New Adversary: TMS Grief vs. Depression and the DSM-5 For Advertising Opportunities Click Here