BOSTON — High-profile ballot questions that would authorize additional charter schools and legalize the adult use of marijuana have similar levels of "strong support" among likely Massachusetts voters but are backed by "somewhat opposite groups," a new poll found.
Question 2, which would allow state education officials to approve up to 12 new charter schools or expansions per year, has the support of people who identify as conservatives, who earn more than $100,000 per year, and who fall in the age range to 30 to 54 years old, according to the UMass Amherst/WBZ poll.
WASHINGTON — The Senate acted decisively Wednesday to override President Barack Obama's veto of Sept. 11 legislation, setting the stage for the contentious bill to become law despite flaws that Obama and top Pentagon officials warn could put U.S. troops and interests at risk.
Five weeks before elections, lawmakers refused to oppose a measure backed by 9/11 families who say they are still seeking justice 15 years after the attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. The bill permits them to sue the government of Saudi Arabia for the kingdom's alleged backing of the 19 hijackers who carried out the plot. Saudi Arabia is staunchly opposed to the measure.
