Bush Wants Hussein Tried As Soon As Possible

24 June 2004 -- The White House says President George W. Bush wants to have former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein put on trial in Iraq as soon as possible.

At the same time, spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters today that the administration is not yet ready to put a timeframe on when the trial should begin.

Republican Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania said a trial might boost support for the Iraq war before the November presidential election.

The senator said putting a spotlight on Hussein's record of execution and torture could help shore up public support for the invasion damaged by the Iraq prisoner abuse scandal.

(Reuters/CNN)