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Hussein's Lead Attorney Warns of Increased Bloodshed; Iraq War Factor; Key Midterm Election Issues; Deadly Plane Crash in Nigeria; Remembering Arnold "Red" Auerbach

Aired October 29, 2006 - 17:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: And it may be getting colder outside where you are, but the nasty tone of these midterm elections is burning up the campaign trail.
Live reports ahead from key Senate races.

First, this look at stories in the news.

This is all that's left of dozens of homes in southern California. They were destroyed by a raging wildfire that has scorched more than 40,000 acres and killed four firefighters. Progress is being made though with 70 percent of the blaze now contained.

A full report coming up.

A deadly firefight in southern Afghanistan. NATO and Afghan forces battled more than 100 insurgents for hours. NATO officials say the fight broke out after the insurgents ambushed some troops. One NATO soldier and 70 insurgents were reported killed.

Fidel Castro definitely not camera-shy. The Cuban leader appeared in new video on state-run TV and new newspaper photos. He says he wants to dispel rumors that he's on his deathbed. Castro also delivered a message to his so-called enemies.

More on that in the NEWSROOM.

Boston mourns a sports legend. Hall of fame basketball coach Red Auerbach died yesterday at the age of 89. He coached the Celtics to nine NBA titles and had only one losing season out of 20. Auerbach continued to serve in the Celtics front office until his death.

It was a dark and stormy night for thousands of people in the Northeast. Storms snapped power lines from Maryland to New England. One man is missing in New Hampshire after falling off a cruise ship in rough weather. And a kayaker drowned when his boat overturned on a rain-swollen river.

The high winds uprooted trees in New York, damaging cars and homes. Some gusts toppled 50 miles an hour.

Let's check in again with Jacqui Jeras and find out what may be next for those folks.

JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: More wind really continuing throughout the evening, even into the overnight.

(WEATHER REPORT)

WHITFIELD: Thanks a lot, Jacqui.

Out West, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is getting a firsthand look at the devastation caused by the Esperanza Fire. Schwarzenegger had high praise for hundreds of firefighters on the scene.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GOV. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R), CALIFORNIA: One thing that you also can see here is -- in California is that we have the best-tested, battle-tested and experienced firefighters and rescue workers in the world. There is no two ways about it. I mean, nothing like a Katrina could ever happen right here in California.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Firefighters say they're closer to containing the massive blaze. Good news after days of struggling in which the fire took a deadly toll.

Today crews paused to remember four of their own killed in the fire. Another firefighter remains in critical condition with severe burns.

The mother of one victim urged the arsonist who set the blaze to come forward.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BONNIE MCKAY, JASON MCKAY'S MOTHER: You already know that you have a problem. I truly believe you didn't think things were going to turn out the way they did. But they did.

Don't let the remorse eat you alive. Come forward. There are people who can help you deal with the grief and remorse that you must be feeling. I for one will not try -- I will try not to judge you.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: Well, crews hope to have the fire fully contained some time Tuesday.

Expect the unexpected. Whether it's liberating Iraq or prosecuting its former despot, amid the backdrop of insurgent violence and sectarian strife, Saddam Hussein's lead defense attorney warns of increased bloodshed should his client receive a death sentence in his trial for war crimes.

CNN's John Roberts has the latest from Baghdad.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN ROBERTS, CNN SR. NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: With a verdict expected in the trial of Saddam Hussein as soon as next Sunday, Khalil al- Dulaimi, his chief defense attorney, is warning that the violence in Iraq could worsen, in fact spread throughout the region, if Saddam Hussein is given the death penalty. In the descriptive prose that's so typical of the Arab world, Dulaimi writes, "A verdict like this could spark the flame that will set the valley on fire and drown the region in the roar of the unknown."

Saddam faces a number of charges. This particular trial is related to the deaths of 150 Shiites in the town of Dujail after a crackdown on Shiites following a failed assassination attempt against Saddam Hussein.

In the letter which was sent to President Bush through the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Dulaimi warns that if Saddam is given the death penalty, it could tip the sectarian violence that has engulfed Baghdad and much of Iraq into full-out civil war. He appeals to President Bush to release Saddam Hussein and his seven co-defendants, saying that the verdict is timed for maximum political impact in the upcoming midterm elections.

Now, the White House has not seen the full text of the letter, but we did read parts of it to National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe. Johndroe dismissed complaints, saying that this trial is before an Iraqi court, presided over by an Iraqi judge, and that if Saddam Hussein has complaints about the process, he should address those to the people of Iraq.

In fact, Saddam Hussein did address those complaints to a presiding judge in a letter written on October the 22nd from jail delivered to the judge through his lawyer. He claims many of the same things that Dulaimi does, but adds that a death penalty conviction would be portrayed by the Bush administration as a victory for its policy in Iraq.

Saddam is asking for a postponement in the -- in the verdict. It is possible though that that could happen anyway, because the trial judges may not be prepared, may not be ready enough to deliver that verdict next Sunday.

At the same time, the violence continues across Baghdad. Many, many more bodies were found this morning.

I was at the Al-Mansour police station when one of them came in in the back of an Iraqi police pickup truck. Typical of the sectarian killings that we have seen around Baghdad, shot three times in the head. His throat slashed as well.

He had been driving in his car, a Shiite in a Sunni neighborhood. Just the wrong sect and the wrong place, at the wrong time.

And there was a major joint U.S.-Iraqi military operation overnight after a convoy which usually ferries Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al- Maliki around came under fire in a southwestern section of Baghdad. Al-Maliki was not with the convoy at the time. One of his guards was injured, though. U.S. and Iraqi army members searched the neighborhood all night. They came up with one detainee and a number of weapons. Not sure if they got the actual person who fired on the convoy. And it's not clear at this point if al-Maliki was actually being targeted or if that convoy just happened to roll through that neighborhood and presented a very big fat target to the gunmen who were waiting there.

John Roberts, CNN, Baghdad.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: In this country, nine days and counting until voters go to the polls, and high-stakes midterm elections. With the Iraq war looming as a make-or-break issue, President Bush is stumping hard for GOP candidates.

CNN reporters are covering key contests -- Bob Franken in Pennsylvania; Dana Bash in Virginia; Candy Crowley in Missouri, John King in Tennessee and Gary Nurenberg in Maryland. This hour we'll touch base with three of them.

The Iraq war, it just may be the most divisive issue in the midterm elections. Democrats hope it will be the ticket that wins them control of at least one house of Congress.

Joining us to talk about that, CNN White House Correspondent Ed Henry -- Ed.

ED HENRY, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good evening, Fred.

You know today was a day of rest for the president after a rousing rally in Indiana. Yesterday he really tried to rev up conservative voters on the issues of terror and taxes. But it's the war in Iraq that is providing his party some difficulty.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HENRY (voice over): With violence in Iraq front and center in the midterm elections, Republican candidates continue to barak with the president on conduct of the war. Michael Steele, the Republican contender in the hot Maryland Senate race, was asked, does he think Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld should resign?

LT. GOV. MICHAEL STEELE (R), MARYLAND SENATE CANDIDATE: Let's put it this way: he wouldn't be my secretary of defense. And ultimately, that's going to be a decision that the president of the United States makes.

HENRY: But House Majority Leader John Boehner joined the president in offering a ringing endorsement of Rumsfeld.

REP. JOHN BOEHNER (R), MAJORITY LEADER: I think Donald Rumsfeld is the best thing that happened to the Pentagon in 25 years. This -- this Pentagon and our military needs a transformation. And I think Donald Rumsfeld is the only man in America who knows where the bodies are buried at the Pentagon, has enough experience to help transform that institution.

HENRY: Fuel for the Democratic mantra of change.

REP. CHARLES RANGEL (D), NEW YORK: It's true President Bush may not be on the ballot, but people like Boehner and people who support Rumsfeld and Cheney and Bush, they're on the ballot. This is a referendum on the war and the incompetency of the Bush administration.

HENRY: Republicans insist key races will turn on local issues, not Iraq. But just in case they're once again pointing out some Democratic plans to withdraw U.S. troops.

SEN. ELIZABETH DOLE (R), NORTH CAROLINA: We're trying to find a way to -- to -- to complete this war and to get our troops home as soon as possible. The Democrats appear to be content with losing. And by losing, I mean, you know, if you don't complete the mission and you pull out, then there is going to be an eruption in the Middle East.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HENRY: Now, the president will be hitting those themes again Monday when he hits the campaign trail. First a stop tomorrow morning in Georgia. Then on to his home state of Texas.

He will be in the district of former House majority leader Tom DeLay, who resigned under an ethical cloud, turning a once safe Republican seat now into yet another House seat that's up for grabs -- Fred.

WHITFIELD: All right. Ed Henry at the White House.

Thanks so much.

Well, with actor Michael J. Fox taking to the airwaves, the stem cell debate is back in the spotlight. Political analyst John Mercurio joins us live.

And a return to the voodoo they do so well? The Voodoo Festival, that is, is back and in New Orleans.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Two hot-button issues taking center stage this election year: same-sex marriage and stem cell research. Both are on the ballot in some states. Colorado, Virginia and South Carolina are among eight states with amendments that would ban same-sex marriage. And voters in Missouri will vote yea or nay on a measure that would allow access to any federally approved stem cell cures.

Joining us with his take on these and other key midterm election issues, John Mercurio, of "The National Journal's Hotline".

Good to see you, John.

JOHN MERCURIO, "HOTLINE": Good to see you too.

WHITFIELD: All right. So how did the question of stem cell research in Missouri get so electrifying?

MERCURIO: Well, it's been electrifying over the past couple of years. You know, of course the president...

WHITFIELD: But it's hitting new heights now.

MERCURIO: It's definitely hitting new heights now. Now, there was, of course, a television ad last week in which Michael J. Fox, a victim of Parkinson's Disease who's backing Claire McCaskill, who's backing stem cell initiative in Missouri, taped a television ad. Rush Limbaugh, of course, criticized him, and that created a brouhaha over that issue in that state.

It's a very divisive issue in the state of Missouri. Claire McCaskill is supporting the initiative, and Jim Talent, her Republican opponent, opposing it.

At this point the initiative looks like it's going to pass, and it looks like it could help turn out a lot of voters for Claire McCaskill. People who might not necessarily have otherwise voted for her, moderate Republicans, Independents, who are being drawn to her campaign and to other campaigns because of this issue.

WHITFIELD: Another polarizing issue, gay marriage. We're seeing constitutional amendments banning gay marriage on the ballot in eight states, including that of South Carolina, where yesterday President Bush visited.

Why is it that he is being selective about certain states where we are seeing him suddenly?

MERCURIO: Where we're seeing him suddenly in what -- on what?

WHITFIELD: Campaigning in support of -- whether it be banning abortion -- those are some of the states that he seems to be campaigning.

MERCURIO: Well, I think that on the issue of gay marriage, we saw in 2004 that it was an extremely potent issue for Republicans, especially in states like Ohio, where it turned out a conservative base that helped elect President Bush over John Kerry. We are seeing it to a little bit less of an extent, having any sort of impact on the 2006 campaign.

There are, as you mentioned, eight states that are -- that are trying to band gay marriage through amendments to their constitution. But those aren't the states overall that have the competitive races that we're watching so closely.

Only Virginia and Tennessee have really competitive Senate races, which is of course, you know, one of the most important battles we're watching. And those -- those -- those questions, those -- that issue -- the issue in that -- in those states hasn't been as electrified as it had been in 2004.

WHITFIELD: All right. From banning gay marriage, whether it be in South Carolina or other states, now another divisive issue, abortion. South Dakota could be really making a statement.

What is -- exactly is at issue here?

MERCURIO: This is a very interesting story. The South Dakota legislature earlier this year passed an abortion -- a very restrictive abortion bill, basically, at least according to these supporters of this initiative, that goes beyond Roe v. Wade, makes restrictions that they believe violates Roe v. Wade.

The supporters of this initiative who are opponents of this new South Dakota law gathered the signatures. They actually have the support of a lot of Republican legislators in South Dakota and are trying to get this passed. This would essentially repeal this very restrictive abortion bill in South Dakota.

You saw the governor of South Dakota, Mike Rounds, when this bill was passed trying to put a little distance between himself and the legislation, even though he himself is a strong opponent of abortion rights.

WHITFIELD: All right. And perhaps one of the most bizarre initiatives in Arizona, some incentive being offered to voters to try to get them to the polls. One million dollars at stake. Explain that. And is this sad, or is this inventive?

MERCURIO: I think it's a little bit of both, actually. I mean, I think, you know, a lot of other states are watching this initiative very closely. I would place money on it passing pretty handily.

I think voters, of course, are more than willing to go to the polls if there is a chance that they could win $1 million. It is retroactive to this 2006 election. So if it passes, there will be a lucky Arizona voter who wins.

It's money that comes from I think unclaimed lottery -- lottery proceeds. So it doesn't actually come directly from taxpayers in the way that a lot of people think it would. This could -- this could increase voter participation. And if it does, you know, then I guess I think a lot of other states are going to take a look at it.

WHITFIELD: All right. John Mercurio, good to see you. Thanks so much.

MERCURIO: Good to see you.

WHITFIELD: And joining us a bit later in the show with another take on the key election issues and the White House strategy, Deputy White House Press Secretary Dana Perino.

Almost a hundred dead from that plane crash in Nigeria. The story coming up.

Plus, there was a Fidel Castro sighting this weekend. Hear what the Cuban dictator has to say about rumors of his death next in the NEWSROOM.

Plus, it could be another sign that life is slowly getting better in Katrina-ravaged New Orleans.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Today a third fatal plane crash in Nigeria in one year. A jet with 104 people on board slammed into the ground moments after takeoff.

Africa Correspondent Jeff Koinange has our report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEFF KOINANGE, CNN AFRICA CORRESPONDENT (voice over): It's hard to imagine how seven people could have walked away from this. The Boeing 737 burst into flames one minute after taking off from Nigeria's capital, Abuja, with 104 people on board. Only the plane's tail and engine and part of a wing were still recognizable at the crash site, littered with smoldering fires, boxes and bags.

Emergency response teams arrived at the horrific scene. Nearly 100 bodies, including the man regarded as spiritual leader of Nigeria's 70 million Muslims, the sultan of Sokotu, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido. Also among the wreckage of the shattered plane, the body of his son, a senator in the Nigerian national assembly.

There are still numerous questions surrounding this accident, like just how seven people could have survived.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Six of them are quite stable. One is critical, is in intensive -- she's in the intensive care unit.

KOINANGE: One survivor said everything seemed routine before the ill- fated flight began its taxi.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It was stable. I thought it was stable. What went wrong, I don't know.

KOINANGE: Nigeria's president, Olusegun Obasanjo, offered condolences to the families of the dead and ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the crash. Nigeria's aviation has a notorious history of accidents, but the past year has been particularly tragic.

Two crashes in as many months late last year led to more than 200 fatalities, including dozens of children. This latest crash has plunged Nigeria's religious community into six days of mourning for the sultan of Sokoto and has left the families of the nearly 100 victims asking why.

Jeff Koinange, CNN, Johannesburg.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

WHITFIELD: On to politics now. A book written decades ago becomes the focus in a vicious election campaign in Virginia. A live report from the hotly-contested battleground next here in the NEWSROOM.

Plus, stem cell research could be a deciding factor in the state of Missouri. We'll tell you what that is all about.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: The failed takeoff of a Nigerian airliner this morning leaves 97 people presumed dead. Among the dead, Nigeria's highest ranking Muslim cleric. There have been 11 crashes in Nigeria in the past 11 years.

Fierce fighting in southern Afghanistan today. NATO officials say international security forces killed an estimated 70 insurgents in a firefight lasting several hours. One NATO soldier was killed, nine soldiers and two Afghan civilians wounded.

Mayhem in Iraq. At least 29 people killed in Sunday's violence. A suicide car bomber targets an Iraqi police patrol. He blew himself up, killed two policemen and wounded two more. And another 31 bullet- ridden corpses were found in the streets of Baghdad.

Water and flame retardant drops help firefighters get an upper hand in putting down the Esperanza wildfire. Crews estimate they have the blaze 70 percent contained.

In just nine days, Capitol Hill may get a whole new look. If Democrats defeat Republicans in key races, they could control both houses of Congress.

In Virginia, one Senate battle gets downright ugly. A live report straight ahead.

But first, a look at congressional cliffhanger in Missouri. And -- rather controversial referendum on the ballot. It involves an issue that has been in the headlines all week, stem cell research. The Missouri measure would protect federally-approved stem cell research.

Joining us now by phone from St. Louis, CNN's senior political correspondent, Candy Crowley.

Candy, are voters paying such close attention to this question on stem cell research?

CANDY CROWLEY, CNN SR. POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: I can tell you today they're paying attention to a parade for the world champion St. Louis Cardinals, but when they get back to politics absolutely. And -- but there was a new poll out today from the "St. Louis Post-Dispatch" which showed this race between Claire McCaskill, the Democratic challenger, and Jim Talent, the sitting Republican senator, at 47-47.

So you basically have a race that almost anything could tip it. But as we all know, it's about who goes to vote.

And the betting here is that the opposition to this from conservatives and from Christian conservatives, in particular, could drive out Talent's vote that might not necessarily come out otherwise, because as we all know, sort of the Republicans at this point are sort of depressed about what's going on. And there was some thought they might stay home. This may well bring them to the polls.

WHITFIELD: Well, when you talk about voters who are threatening to stay home, in many instances we are hearing analysts say that this midterm election really is a referendum on Iraq. And that seems to be one of the reasons why so many voters are changing their minds about the importance of going to the polls.

What are you sensing there?

CROWLEY: I'm sensing that certainly this is the fire that breeds with Democrats. It is going to bring out Independents and Democrats. And in fact, in Missouri you see this playing, because on the Republican side what you have are those that are talking about coming out because of the stem cell research referendum. On the Democratic side, it's more about economics and Iraq, where they support the stem cell, but what they're coming out about is the economy in Missouri, as well as stem cell research.

WHITFIELD: Candy Crowley, thanks so much for that report.

And now to the tight and testy Senate race in Virginia. Republican incumbent George Allen was up16 points. Now he's neck and neck with Democrat Jim Webb.

CNN's congressional correspondent, Dana Bash, is traveling with Allen. She joins us now by phone from Norfolk.

And Dana, what has made the race so ugly and so close?

DANA BASH, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: It is so ugly, Fredricka. And it keeps getting uglier.

You know, this is a race, as you mentioned, that wasn't really supposed to be a tight one. And the issue really that made national -- international headlines over the summer was Senator George Allen, the Republican, using the word "Macaca," which many viewed as a racial slur, to talk about one of Democrat Jim Webb's campaign aides who was following him around.

From there, everything kind of snowballed for Senator Allen. And other things have come up with regard to allegations or questions about Senator Allen's past, whether or not he had some kind of issues when it comes to race, because in high school, for example, he -- he used -- had the confederate flag as a lapel pin and so on and so forth.

Now, he has been trying to really clear those issues up for months. And as a matter of fact, today I spent a good amount of time with him in the Hampton Roads-Tidewater area in Virginia, where he went to black churches.

And it's interesting. What he is trying to do, Fredricka, is connect with the African-American community on several levels. But primarily it is where they have a lot of -- a lot of similarities on one major issue in this state on November 7th, and that is same-sex marriage. Candy was talking about stem cell research being on the ballot in Missouri. Well, it is on the ballot in Virginia as well. And Senator Allen very much opposes that. Many in the African-American community agree with him.

WHITFIELD: All right. Dana Bash reporting from Norfolk, Virginia.

Thanks so much.

BASH: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: Well, a strange thing is happening in the Maryland Senate race. The Democrat and Republican candidates both find fault with the war in Iraq. So what will make the difference? Two voters. We'll go there live as well.

Plus, a fond farewell to perhaps the greatest professional basketball coach ever.

Also, the storm damage in the Northeast.

JERAS: And those winds stay strong tonight, Fredricka. Strong enough in New England that it could be threatening your power once again. But as the winds lighten tomorrow in the Northeast, they're picking up elsewhere. Very strong across parts of the U.S.

We'll let you know where coming up in your forecast.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Back to coverage of the midterm elections now.

Today "The New York Times" endorsed Democrat Ned Lamont in that closely-watched Senate race in Connecticut. Lamont is seeking to unseat veteran Joe Lieberman, running as an Independent after losing to Lamont in the Primary. "The Times" cites Lamont's stance against the war in Iraq and Lieberman's continued defense of the Bush administration's actions there. Right now polls show Lieberman leading the race by about 10 points.

In Maryland, polls show Republican Michael Steele trailing Democrat Ben Cardin for the Senate seat held by the retiring Paul Sarbanes.

CNN's Gary Nurenberg is following that race. He joins us live from Silver Spring, Maryland -- Gary.

GARY NURENBERG, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It's been an intense campaign, Fredricka, filled with negative ads. As one Maryland voter we talked to on the streets of Silver Spring a few minutes ago said, "I'll be glad when it's over."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

NURENBERG (voice over): An NAACP forum in Baltimore Saturday...

MICHAEL STEELE (R), MARYLAND SENATE CANDIDATE: A lot of talk, no delivery. I laid out a very strong plan...

(APPLAUSE)

NURENBERG: A talk show Sunday...

BEN CARDIN (D), MARYLAND SENATE CANDIDATE: Look on his Web page. Try to find his positions on Iraq -- 168 words. That's all he devotes.

NURENBERG: The campaigning for an open Maryland Senate seat between Republican lieutenant governor Michael Steele and Democratic congressman Ben Cardin has become increasingly personal.

(on camera): Is it a fair reading to say that you guys don't like each other?

CARDIN: It's fair to say that we differ on the issues dramatically.

MICHAEL J. FOX, ACTOR: George Bush and Michael Steele would put limits on the most promising stem cell research.

NURENBERG (voice over): It seemed personal when a Michael J. Fox criticizing Steele for his position on stem cell research was rebutted by Steele's sister who suffers from multiple sclerosis.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Mr. Cardin should be ashamed.

NURENBERG: In his television ads...

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Michael Steele has been working for George Bush.

NURENBERG: ... in campaign literature, in every speech...

CARDIN: Well, he was recruited by George Bush.

NURENBERG: ... Cardin tries to link Steele to President Bush.

STEELE: All I have heard for the past year of this campaign is George Bush, anti-George Bush...

NURENBERG: In blue state Maryland, Steele rarely mentions the president, rarely mentions he is a Republican...

STEELE: We've spent a lot of time focused on labels. And when we focus on the labels nothing gets done.

NURENBERG: ... and tries to distance himself from this party.

STEELE: When my party is wrong I'm not standing with it. I'm not voting with it.

NURENBERG: And there is this...

STEELE: You've got an African-American candidate running against a white candidate.

CARDIN: I think the African-American vote is going to be critical. NURENBERG: Cardin defeated black Democrat Kweisi Mfume in the primary.

NORM ORNSTEIN, AMERICAN ENTERPRISE INST.: It was a close contest and the white Democrat won. Now with a black Republican, the Republicans have been hopeful that they can crack through with the minority vote.

NURENBERG: Some disappointed black Democrats may skip voting in the Senate race.

A Sunday "Washington Post" poll gives Cardin an 11-point lead. But political analyst Charles Cook now labels the race a tossup.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NURENBERG: Barraged with TV and radio ads, hangers dangling from their door knobs, mailboxes stuffed with campaign literature, and those prerecorded messages they hear when they answer their phones, Maryland voters could be excused for thinking that this couldn't possibly become more intense. But when asked what the remaining days of this campaign will look like, one candidate today, Fredricka, said, "We're going to kick it into high gear."

Lord knows what that will look like. But we'll be here and let you see.

WHITFIELD: Because I think everybody already thought this was high gear just nine days away. So there's more where that came from.

Thanks so much, Gary.

Well, the outcome of the races on November 7th are crucial to President Bush's fortunes. Should Republicans lose control of Congress, the president's last two years in office likely will not be easy.

Joining us now for more on this topic, White House Deputy Press Secretary Dana Perino.

Good to see you.

DANA PERINO, WHITE HOUSE DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY: Thanks for having me.

WHITFIELD: Well, Dana, "TIME" magazine this week is already placing new labels on the president, calling him a "lone ranger," and that he is isolated, that so many Republicans are distancing themselves from the president. If that is indeed the case, is it your view or the White House's view that this midterm election is indeed a referendum on Iraq?

PERINO: I'm not sure where they get the label. The president, the vice president, Karl Rove, Mrs. Bush, and many other administration officials have been out doing more political events in this midterm cycle than they did in 2002. And we're on the verge of victory here. We've got strong candidates. We have a unified message. And we have more money and we have a better ground game. So I think we are going to see the Republicans in the win column on November 7th.

WHITFIELD: When you say more political events, how selective is the White House on this? Because so many Republican incumbents and challengers in various races are saying they don't want to be associated with the president, namely because the Iraq war has become grossly unpopular.

PERINO: A lot of factors go into where we send the president in order to maximize Republican turnout. The turnout is going to be the key factor in the November 7th election, and...

WHITFIELD: What are some of those factors and what races in particular are you most concerned about?

PERINO: Well, I think -- well, I wouldn't call it concern, but I will just give you one example where yesterday the president went to a rally in Indiana for Mike Sodrel and the other -- other Republicans in Indiana. In 2002, Mike Sodrel lost by 9,500 votes. In 2004. he won by only 1,425 votes.

We know that one's going to be a very tight and competitive race. And with the president going there yesterday and having that big and successful rally, he's going to be able to pull it across the finish line and win on November 7th.

WHITFIELD: At the same time, the president has to know that there are Republicans who have been quite public in saying they don't necessarily want to be cozied up with the president right now, just days away from the election.

How does he feel about that? What has he expressed?

PERINO: I don't think the president dwells on any particular candidate's comments or views. But what I do think that the president has done for the Republican Party and for the voters in this election is define the election very clearly on two major issues: national security and the economy.

And on November 7th, when people enter the voting booth, they're going to have to decide who will better protect the country and who will keep it on a path of economic prosperity that we have seen over the past five years. And so that's what he has been focused on, really on the issues and campaigning and maximizing effort wherever he can.

WHITFIELD: Well, let me ask you again about Iraq, because that is a primary issue that so many people are thinking about. And while everyone is in agreement that they want to see a more stable Iraq, they want to see a successful outcome, the president outlined last week benchmarks. It depends on the semantics you want to use.

What are the "what ifs"? What if some of those benchmarks are not met? What is the president's point of view about what next? PERINO: Well, I don't know if I would agree that everyone wants to have success in Iraq. The one way we can be sure to lose is if we pull out before the job is done.

And the Democrats, who made a conscience decision not to have a plan, not to propose a plan for Iraq, have not given the voters much of a choice. The benchmarks that Iraqis will need to meet will coalesce around the goals -- I mean, sorry, the strategy of political, economic and security benchmarks, and the goal is to make sure that Iraq is a country that can govern, sustain and defend itself and become an ally in the war on terror.

WHITFIELD: And before I let you go, can I ask you, while Saddam Hussein, as well as his attorney, are saying that the timing of the reading of the verdict in his case is predicated on midterm elections, does Washington or the White House have any hand in giving a directive on when this verdict should be read?

PERINO: Certainly not. The Iraqi government, the sovereign Iraqi government is running that trial. And you had 12 million Iraqis who turned out in order to vote for a free and democratic country. I don't think that they are so much worried about the date of Saddam Hussein's conviction, as long as he gets one and gets the justice he deserves.

WHITFIELD: Dana Perino, deputy White House press secretary.

Thanks so much for your time.

PERINO: Thank you.

WHITFIELD: All next week beginning at 7:00 Eastern, more politics. Wolf Blitzer and Paula Zahn lead the best political team on television for a special two-hour edition of "THE SITUATION ROOM".

Breaking news, plus all the political headlines as we head toward the midterm elections, just nine days away. "THE SITUATION ROOM" all next week from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Eastern.

Mark your calendars, set your TiVo, all of that.

Police in Jamaica have a man in custody in connection with the murder of former heavyweight boxing champ Trevor Berbick. The 52-year-old was found dead yesterday morning near his Kingstown, Jamaica, home.

And then in Brazil, early election results show incumbent president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will be re-elected to a second term.

Polls are closed in the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo, where voters are choosing a democratically-elected president for the first time in more than 40 years.

And Pakistan welcomes the first-ever visit from Prince Charles and Lady Camilla. The royal couple slated for a five-day tour of the country. The prince is expected to review and take a look at firsthand earthquake relief efforts. Basketball pioneer Red Auerbach died yesterday. He was a victim of a heart attack at the age 89. He led the Boston Celtics to 16 championships with a gruff style and a winning attitude.

CNN's Larry Smith looks back at Auerbach's career.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

LARRY SMITH, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Imagining the Boston Celtics without Red Auerbach is like trying to picture Mount Rushmore without George Washington. For nearly half a century, Auerbach's fiery temper, shrewd basketball sense, and ever-present cigar smoke wove their way through Boston, creating the most storied franchise in basketball history.

Arnold "Red" Auerbach became Boston's head coach in 1950 and ruled the Celtics with an iron fist. Said Bill Russell, "Auerbach cannot stand the thought of losing. If you don't play to win, Auerbach has no place for you."

That passion for winning got results. When Auerbach left Boston's bench in 1966, he was the NBA's all-time winningest coach. But Auerbach was more than just a master strategist and motivator, he was the architect of the Celtics' dynasty.

In 1956, he traded established stars Ed McAuley (ph) and Cliff Hagan (ph) to St. Louis for a first round draft pick he used to select Bill Russell. With Russell at center, Boston won 11 titles over the next 13 seasons.

After a down period in the early 1970s, then general manager Auerbach restructured the team and two more titles followed in 1974 and in 1976. In the '80s, Boston would win three more championships after Auerbach assembled one of the greatest front courts of all time in Larry Byrd, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish.

Auerbach was also instrumental in breaking the color barrier in the NBA. On his watch, the Celtics became the first NBA team with a black player when they signed Chuck Cooper in 1950. Boston was also the first team to start five black players and the first with a black head coach, when Auerbach named Russell to take his place in 1966.

But Auerbach's enduring legacy may be summed up in two words: Celtic pride. He established a commitment to winning, and a tradition of excellence that permeate the franchise to this day and continue to be the standard other sports teams strive to achieve.

Red Auerbach, he was the Boston Celtics.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: Out West, near Palm Springs, California, you're looking at Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger surveying the damage after that wildfire called the Esperanza continues to burn. Looking at the charred remains there of many homes and businesses that have been destroyed over the 40,000-acre site.

The wildfire is now 70 percent contained. And firefighters think they may have the upper hand, containing it 100 percent by Tuesday.

Still, this is a devastating loss for so many people who have lost their homes and businesses. And the community still mourning the loss of four firefighters who were killed in this deadly blaze, which officials believe was deliberately set.

A $500,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist being blamed.

More when we come right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

WHITFIELD: All right. The map is a mixed gamut out there. Severe weather all over the map.

Jacqui Jeras is in the weather center with more on that -- Jacqui.

JERAS: Hey, Fred.

(WEATHER REPORT)

WHITFIELD: Well, you know New Orleans known for its great music and festivals. How about the Voodoo Fest? Well, that one is winding down now in The Big Easy, but it wasn't easy getting the music festival back on track. A year after Hurricane Katrina, organizers don't know the final attendance numbers yet, but they are still impressed that it went on anyway.

Here is a peek.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

(MUSIC)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's been, you know, a crazy 12 months. And we are back here in home, in our original site. And it feels good to be back in New Orleans.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think New Orleans helped us become what we are as people.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is a unique opportunity unlike any I have ever seen or heard of in my life, to hear such a diverse array of amazing music all -- all in one place.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

WHITFIELD: The show must go on. And it did.

Still much more ahead on CNN.

Up next, "Broken Borders" with Lou dobbs. Under the microscope, immigration and border security.

And then Lou takes an in-depth look at the vulnerabilities of electronic voting. "Broken Government: Democracy at Risk," tonight at 7:00 Eastern.

From the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Fredricka Whitfield.

"Broken Borders" with Lou Dobbs right after this.

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