Spain sets date for election

The Spanish government today called a general election for March 9, formally launching what is shaping up as a close race between the ruling Socialists and opposition conservatives.

Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is seeking a second term after being elected in March 2004 elections that defeated a conservative government devastated by the Madrid train terrorist bombings by Muslim extremists. The attack killed 191 people and injured more than 1,800.