Tweedledum and Dee

Iraqi army takes over from US in rebellious area.

The 1st Iraqi Army Division officially assumed control of territory near the town of Habbaniya on June 2, between the towns of Ramadi and Falluja, it said in a statement.

"This transfer is another step to a free Iraq," said U.S. Lt. Colonel Loris Lepri.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki said after he took office on May 20 that his army and police, now numbering about 255,000, could take over security across the country by the end of next year.

- Gee, al-Maliki has 100,000+ more in uniform than the US does in Iraq. This story scores 1 for the Republican team candidates. Expect more. Such reports create optimism in Joe Voter. Maybe this war can be won, maybe we are making a difference, maybe the troops will be home soon, maybe … maybe … pigs can fly.

From the Democrat team expect to see more atrocity and horror stories. If you think about it, wouldn't another "terrorist attack" at home benefit Democrats much more than BushCo?

Meanwhile, a hard-fought U.S. House election in California is being closely watched for signs of a political shift away from President George W. Bush's Republican party in November's congressional election.

"In November, Democrats must pick up 15 House seats and six Senate seats to regain control in each chamber, giving them the power to set the legislative agenda and more effectively challenge Bush.

Both parties have poured millions of dollars into what has become a rough campaign, and Republicans launched a radio ad to capitalize on comments on immigration by Busby.

While talking to a mostly Hispanic audience at a senior center last Thursday, Busby said: "You don't need papers for voting, you don't need to be a registered voter to help."

Busby later said she misspoke but Bilbray and Republicans said she was encouraging illegal immigrants to help her."

Ju don' need no stinkin' papers. Misspoke. Hahaha. Politicians.