SAVE MONEY ON TRAVEL DEALS

Vermont Lt. Gov. Brian Dubie says the killing of Brooke Bennett, 12, of Braintree, Vt., shows the need for laws calling for a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years for child sex offenders, as well as physical or chemical castration, The Bennington (Vt.) Banner reported Tuesday.

Dubie, a Republican who is locked in an election battle with Democratic challenger Nate Freeman, called for a special session of the state Legislature to enact the new laws, saying, "We have a responsibility to address that issue. Civil confinement does it. Other states do it. The chemical castration does it. Other states have done it. You can either submit to life in jail or chemical castration."

But Freeman accused Dubie and Republican Gov. Jim Douglas of exploiting the case for political gain, the Banner reported.

"Both Brian Dubie and Jim Douglas are preying on Vermonters' natural emotional impulse for vengeance", he said.

The girl's uncle, who has a sex offense record, has been arrested and charged with kidnapping in connection with the case.

 BREAKING STORIES

Police seeking motive for deadly rampage

38 bodies found in Iraq mass grave

Nigerian city of Jos quiet after riots

Rapper pleads guilty to manslaughter

Sources: One killed in Gaza border clash

Mumbai violence shuts down Bollywood

Pet African wildcat shot in Pennsylvania

Prince's ex-wife witnesses Mumbai mayhem

Arrest made in Ark. TV anchor's death

Prosecutor wants Russian judge removed

Cross-Country Slaying Suspect Has Volatile Past

Brancato murder trial begins in New York

Pakistani forces say 25 militants killed

China arcade brawl leaves five dead

17 Taliban militants slain in Afghanistan

Journalists protest killing of reporter

New doc recalls Kennedys' immigrant roots

Indian forces blamed for Kashmir shootings

Bail set for man in dry drowning case

Woman killed in assault on Congo camp