Richmond Supervisor Race in Full SwingPaul Hogarthbyline‚ Jun. 30‚ 2008District 1 candidate Eric Mar had a well-attended kick-off on June 28th, confirming his status as the progressive choice – with labor, environmental and community advocates vouching for his candidacy. But the School Board member will need more than that to win the City’s ultimate swing district, and a small crowd of pro-JROTC protesters upset at Mar’s recent vote greeted him outside. In a contest where all three major candidates are Chinese-American, the Richmond’s Chinese community will play a large role in the outcome – and conventional wisdom says they would favor moderate candidates Sue Lee or Alicia Wang. But Mar’s support from the Ma’s Family Association (giving him a formal blessing in the Chinese community) will help him build bridges among these voters. |