RED OR BLUE RALLYING POINT: RELIEF FROM GRIDLOCK

In cities and suburbs — small, large, red and blue — voters were united this week on one key issue: paying to get out of traffic jams. They approved almost 80% of transportation tax and bond measures.

At least 23 of 31 ballot measures to launch or expand bus and rail lines in 11 states were approved. The price tag: more than $40 billion.

"It speaks volumes to what voters see as a very important problem," says Matt Jeanneret, spokesman for the transportation lobbying group. "People are clamoring for relief from traffic congestion. ... The voters are way ahead of the politicians on this."

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