2014 Midterm GOP Coup d’état (01:24)

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House of Representatives candidates who spent the most money won 94% of the time. Karl Rove and the Koch Brothers backed eleven Republican senators, supported by Citizens United.

Richmond Local Political Battle (01:08)

Mayor Gayle McLaughlin sued Chevron for pollution negligence. Chevron spent $3 million to install a favorable city council, but the community voted for progressive candidates.

Democracy Victory (01:49)

Bill Moyers welcomes McLaughlin and journalist Harriet Rowan who uncovered Chevron's campaign budget. McLaughlin discusses grassroots mobilization strategies for the Richmond election.

David vs. Goliath (01:08)

Chevron spent $350 per voter against McLaughlin; she spent less than $1 per voter. The corporation has increased campaign funding since 2010 but Richmond voters cannot be bought.

Holding Chevron Accountable (01:12)

The Richmond refinery produces 10% of global sales. McLaughlin and the city council seek damages for a 2012 fire and aim to reduce pollution in the community.

Exposing Chevron Spending (02:00)

Rowan describes following corporate contributions in the 2014 Richmond campaign. Approximately $3 million was spent, most likely in an effort to reduce settlement payouts.

Chevron Ad Campaign (01:20)

Rowan describes political ads on Richmond billboards. Pamphlets and "talking" mailers inundated registered voters.

Taking over City Government (00:48)

Chevron-backed candidates said they would work with the corporation. In the 1990s, Chevron had a desk in the Richmond municipal office.

Fair Taxation Campaign (00:55)

Chevron only pays 12% of Richmond's budget. McLaughlin outlines a ballot measure raising corporate municipal taxes.

Richmond Settlement (00:60)

Chevron pled no contest to damages from a refinery fire. McLaughlin discusses how leading the community's lawsuit motivated her to fight for the election.

Standing Up against Chevron (01:13)

McLaughlin discusses the Richmond community's fight for a better life in the context of corporate American dominance.

Voter Confusion (01:12)

Rowan discusses how Chevron's negative campaigning lowered voter turnout—mirroring national trends.

Citizen's United (01:21)

Rowan confirms the Supreme Court ruling that allowed Chevron unlimited spending on the Richmond campaign. McLaughlin believes it will destroy democracy, if unchecked.

Shadow Candidates (01:39)

Rowan cites two city council candidates that Chevron installed in Richmond just before the 2014 election. The company started its own newspaper to counter "Richmond Confidential."

Eminent Domain Program (03:57)

The National Association of Realtors urged Richmond residents to vote for Corky Boozé, who opposed the city's mortgage refinance program helping homeowners avoid foreclosure.

Local Political Lessons (01:20)

McLaughlin learned that grassroots community mobilization can overcome corporate power. Visit BillMoyers.com for further analysis of the Richmond election.

Credits: Moyers & Company: Facing Down Corporate Election Greed (01:34)

Credits: Moyers & Company: Facing Down Corporate Election Greed