Poll: Americans souring on Obama’s Islamic State plan

Poll: Americans souring on Obama’s Islamic State plan

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans are souring on President Barack Obama's approach to fighting the Islamic State, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll that also found deep pessimism about U.S. prospects for success in Afghanistan and uncertainty about Obama's plan to leave thousands of troops there when he leaves office.

More than 6 in 10 now reject Obama's handling of the threat posed by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, where Obama has been escalating the U.S. military's involvement in a bid to break a vexing stalemate. Support for his approach has followed a downward trajectory since the U.S. formed its coalition to fight the group in late 2014. Last September, Americans were roughly split, yet disapproval has jumped 8 percentage points just since January.

Special elections may be held to fill new House, Senate vacancies
Massachusetts

Special elections may be held to fill new House, Senate vacancies

State House News Service

BOSTON – Election Day settled contests in 53 communities around the state and may prompt several special elections, as the House and Senate seek to fill vacancies left by members who are moving on after victories on Tuesday.

State Rep. Michael Brady (D-Brockton)  bested his Republican opponent to capture a seat in the Senate and Rep. Stephen DiNatale (D-Fitchburg) was elected mayor of his hometown, leaving two empty House seats. Another House seat is already set for a special election March 1 after Leah Cole, a Peabody Republican, resigned  in September.

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