Richmond's city elections garnered national attention with its soda tax Measure N. The American Beverage Association spent more than two millions dollars in a campaign against the one-cent-per-ounce fee on businesses selling sugary drinks. Richmond voters overwhelming voted against the measure, which was supported by the Richmond Progressive Alliance.
The alliance's two campaigns for city council members Eduardo Martinez and Marilyn Langlois, were also up against heavy corporate spending. The candidates both lost the election. And two candidates that received large campaign contributions from Chevron secured seats.
Sally Schilling reports from the Richmond Progressive Alliance campaign headquarters.