Free Republic

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) -- City animal control officers have started removing hundreds of large, feral rats from inside a Las Cruces rental home. Animal shelter director Beth Vesco-Mock said the rats - some sickly and displaying evidence of fighting - are about the size of a four- to five-month-old kitten.

Former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean, a candidate for chairman of the Democratic National Committee, talks with current chair Terry McAuliffe Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2005, in Washington. Democratic mayors held a forum to meet the candidates during the National Conference of Democratic Mayors forum. (AP Photo/Sharon Farmer)