Chicago-area soda tax may carry political price for backers

CHICAGO — When a local government leader passed the deciding vote on a penny-per-ounce soda tax, she said it would generate enough money to balance the county budget while making people in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs healthier.

But so far, the tax seems mostly to have created problems for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, who until recently was so popular many considered her the only possible candidate who could unseat Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Opponents have filed lawsuits, a federal agency warned Illinois could lose millions in funding for food stamp benefits and store owners have complained of plummeting sales. There are signs angry residents could hold it against Preckwinkle and other pro-tax commissioners seeking re-election next year.

Groups advocating for retailers and the beverage industry also have been spending on advertising and lawsuits, making Cook County the latest place where multimilliondollar battles are playing out. Political groups spent more than $3 million ahead of a special election earlier this year in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where voters rejected a tax.

Cook County, which includes Chicago, became the largest jurisdiction in the U.S. to enact the tax on sugary and artificially sweetened beverages when the board voted to approve it in November.