Credit Union Journal asked all of the state leagues: What are your plans for involvement in the 2012 elections? Will you be involved in the presidential race? What sorts of activities/fundraising will you be doing?
Alabama/Florida
The League of Southeastern Credit Unions will be heavily involved in elections on the state and federal level by utilizing its "Get Out the Vote" campaign. In both states, the league will look for candidates that support credit unions, our members, and our issues. We will be providing direct campaign support. In addition, volunteers from credit unions that are willing to get out and provide on-the-ground assistance for our friends will be mobilized. Each election year, the league provides credit unions comprehensive candidate information (Voter's Guide), showing how each have supported issues important to credit unions either through voting records or co-sponsorship of legislation. Our candidate survey for state-level (Legislative) offices provides a snapshot of each candidate and they can share with their members so they can see which candidates support credit unions and their issues. A page on our website (www.lscu.coop) is solely dedicated to the election and providing resources to our credit unions so they can mobilize their membership and helps them to register to vote. The league hopes to utilize the elections to help raise the profile of Alabama and Florida credit unions and allow those who are and will be elected the opportunity to see how important credit unions are to their communities. Additionally, we are looking at targeting an incumbent state lawmaker or two in Florida that did not support our public deposits bill. The league does not normally have plans to be involved in the presidential race. Our concentration remains on forming and strengthening the relationships we work with directly in Montgomery, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. However, since the Republican National Convention is in Tampa this year, the LSCU, in conjunction with CUNA, will have a presence at the convention to raise the profile of Alabama and Florida credit unions among Republican lawmakers in attendance. Our political action fundraising is always ongoing because we need to be able to support the candidates we identify as credit union-friendly. We have so many issues right now in Montgomery, Tallahassee and Washington, D.C. that we need to ensure that we help elect candidates that understand the credit union position. The league is working with CUNA on a "leave behind" project around the Republican National Convention in Tampa this August. Credit unions are committed to building a playground at the local Children's Miracle Network hospital. All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg is in need of a handicap-accessible playground. The Southeastern Credit Union Foundation is leading the fundraising for the $300,000 needed to build it this summer. This is a great opportunity for credit unions to leave a lasting impression on a local community. A similar project is being held in Charlotte around the Democratic National Convention. We hope credit unions from around the southeast and the United States will consider contributing to this project.
Alaska
We won't get involved in Presidential Election. We have no Senatorial races this year. Our Congressman is running for his 22nd term, and we hope to support him in some fashion, given his strong support of credit unions over the years. We have no plans to get involved in local campaigns at this point. We focus primarily on the Federal level, as all but one Alaskan CU are federally chartered. We have not gotten involved in presidential politics to date, and have no plans to do so. We represent our members, who are both Republicans and Democrats. If there were an issue- specific reason to get involved, that affected credit unions in a way that transcended party politics, we would make that decision then. We work to support CULAC, but have no plans to do individual or targeted fundraising. At the credit union or personal level, there may be initiatives, but they wouldn't be orchestrated or funded by the league.
Arizona/Colorado/Wyoming
Mountain West CU Association's plan for the 2012 election cycle is to provide our members with political involvement and networking opportunities that increase their understanding of the credit union movement as well as the political process. Our local GOTV strategy in Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming will compliment CUNA's Plan to Win-A 535 Seat Advocacy Strategy, by providing assistance and education at both the state and federal level, bringing our members together with credit union-friendly candidates. We are placing a great deal of value during this election season on providing member to member networking and participating in and providing field and grassroots options, education and assistance in each state as well as collaborative options including, networking opportunities at both the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. Our main focus in the 2012 elections is on member education and involvement in the political process including, traditional PAC fundraising with each of our state PACs: ACUL-PAC, CUPAC, and WYPAC and participation in reaching our CULAC goals in each state we serve members.
Arkansas
We encourage our credit unions' employees and volunteers to pick a candidate and get involved in campaigns. We believe the best impact we can make is to have local credit union people working for candidates of both parties in state and national campaigns. Our Legislative Action Committee will be working with league staff to plan and implement fundraisers throughout 2012.
California/NevadaCalifornia/Nevada
The California and Nevada Leagues are fully engaged in all levels of state and federal legislative races in 2012. We are organizing grassroots voter outreach and supporting credit union-friendly candidates through the leagues' PAC efforts. Candidates who believe in the mission of credit unions receive a full spectrum of support from the leagues and our members. The message is clear-we fully engage in the campaigns of candidates who understand the critical mission credit unions play in the consumer marketplace.
League members represent many differing political backgrounds and are actively engaged in supporting candidates for the presidency as individuals. We encourage their active involvement in the political process at all levels. Additionally at the state level, due to a historic redrawing of legislative district boundaries, California's state and federal districts are experiencing an unprecedented shake-up. The league is working to ensure that as representatives are elected in those new districts, credit unions will be recognized as highly engaged members of the community they will be serving. In Nevada, a demographic shift in the last ten years means a brand new congressional seat has been created. The Nevada league will be on the ground helping to elect a credit union-friendly candidate on that new turf.
Connecticut
The Credit Union League of Connecticut supports educating all candidates running for elected office. We find the more educated they are about the credit union difference, the more they value us and advocate for our issues. Therefore, we encourage our members to get involved in any race they personally believe in and provide support on which candidates have records of supporting credit unions, when applicable. We work with CUNA to target candidates that deserve our support on the federal level and host numerous fundraisers and fundraising activities throughout the year to provide our members with opportunities to assist candidates with their elections.
Delaware
While many Delaware credit union members are looking forward to the 2012 elections, credit union advocates in Delaware will concentrate on our statewide Congressional and Senate races. History shows that Delaware's elected officials tend to stay in office. Over the last few years, our concentration has been centered on their staffs and cultivating those relationships which, in turn, enable us better access to our members in Congress and their thinking on issues. The Delaware Credit Union League has an active governmental affairs committee that maintains contact with our elected officials. Our efforts have been successful in getting our newest Senator and Congressman oriented on credit union issues, and we enjoy an open dialogue with them. We will continue those efforts for this campaign and succeeding campaigns as well.
Georgia
Georgia Credit Union Affiliates (GCUA) has a three-pronged approach for involvement in the 2012 elections: Education, Connection and Campaigning. Our goal is to inform legislators of the issues of importance to credit unions, and to inform credit unions of where legislators stand on those issues.
Education: Through advocacy videos and ElectionWatch, we provide credit unions with information about the issues so they can get involved and vote. ElectionWatch highlights candidates running for state and federal office, key issues and events, and information about the political process. GCUA will provide credit unions with sample get-out-the- vote articles, and voting profiles on key bills and legislative initiatives. Articles will be shared in league publications, and will include summaries of the issues, as well as interviews with candidates.
Connection: GCUA enlists credit union advocates as key contacts to build interactions with targeted state and federal candidates and elected officials. GCUA is scheduling "Hike at Home" meetings with key legislators and candidates, as well as facilitating credit union tours with candidates. Another aspect of facilitating and strengthening connections is fundraising. PAC fundraising continues to be a priority, and GCUA is engaging credit unions to increase or develop fundraising programs.
Campaigning: GCUA has a program to involve credit union loyalists in the campaign efforts of candidates that demonstrate and verbalize clear support of credit union issues. One goal is to see a marked increase of over 100% in the level of campaign support provided to candidates.
Credit unions are being contacted for support of candidates on a federal and/or state level, and GCUA is engaging with candidate campaign offices to determine the best avenues for credit union campaign activity and support.
Hawaii
Hawaii Credit Union League (HCUL) does not endorse candidates for elected office. However, its PAC does contribute to political campaigns that support candidates for state and local candidates who are supportive of credit union-related issues. Those elected offices include governor, lieutenant governor, state legislature, local mayors, and local council members. The 2012 elections will be particularly challenging because redistricting may possibly pit certain incumbents against each other, and local council term limits will force certain council members to seek seats in the state legislature.
Through CUNA's federal PAC, CULAC, HCUL also contributes to political campaigns that support candidates for congressional candidates who are supportive of credit union-related issues. The 2012 elections will be particularly challenging for congressional offices as well, because of the upcoming retirement of U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka. Among those seeking to succeed Senator Akaka are current U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, and former Gov. Linda Lingle.
Because of HCUL's non-endorsement policy, it does not get involved in presidential campaigns, other than urging people to vote. Hawaii has traditionally been a heavily Democratic state and, coupled with the fact that President Barack Obama was born and raised in the Aloha State, the popular vote and resultant electoral votes to reelect President Obama are virtually assured here.
In addition to making PAC donations, Hawaii credit union officials are encouraged by HCUL to be actively involved in political campaigns for candidates of their choice. By doing so, access to those in elected office can be enhanced. In the past, HCUL and its chapters have also held political forums where leading candidates for major elected office have been allowed to address credit union officials.
Idaho
Most Idaho credit union-related contributions to federal candidates are made through CULAC so we raise funds for CULAC all year long in a variety of ways. Our Annual Meeting CULAC fundraiser is usually our best opportunity to raise funds but we also encourage payroll deduction, "deduct-a-buck", and other fundraising efforts. We will not likely get involved in the Presidential race and this year neither of our Senators are up for reelection so our concentration will be on our two U.S. Representatives. Most of our involvement in the Congressional race comes through encouraging people in the credit union movement to get involved in the campaigns of the candidates. Through our state PAC, however, we can contribute to state legislative candidates for both the primary and general election. We involve as many people within the league and Chapters as we can as we go through the process of deciding who to support through our contributions. One of the ways we do this is by supporting credit union attendance at local events sponsored by both political parties throughout the year. This gives our members an opportunity to establish and maintain their relationship with elected officials and allows us to maximize both the level of involvement within the credit union movement and the impact our contributions make.
Illinois
One of the strengths of the Illinois Credit Union league (ICUL) is its grassroots political action network. Each election cycle affords the credit union movement in Illinois, under ICUL's direction, to become fully engaged in electing "credit-union friendly" legislators to Congress and the Illinois General Assembly. To that end, ICUL utilizes its chapter LFR and credit union key contact system to direct campaign involvement towards key legislative races. Prior to the March 20, 2012 Primary Election, ICUL will be coordinating: candidate interviews, campaign involvement and other activities to educate lawmakers about the differences between credit unions and other financial institutions in an effort to help elect (or re-elect) strong credit union movement supporters. Given that 2012 is a remap election year, over 40 percent of both the Illinois congressional and state legislative delegation may turnover. As a result, many long-time credit union supporters are not seeking re-election. ICUL views this election as an opportunity to educate and, ultimately, elect many new credit union supporters.
Indiana
The Indiana CU League will be active during the 2012 elections both in congressional races and state legislative races. Because of the broad scope of the campaign and the typically wide support within the credit union movement for multiple candidates in a presidential race, the league does not historically get involved in that election.
As always, the league will be working to raise PAC funds to contribute to credit unions supporting candidates and will actively look for opportunities to participate in key races. Historically, beyond PAC contributions, the league has helped facilitate fundraising events for strong credit union supporters and we are likely to do so again this year. Redistricting in Indiana has left many open state legislative seats and we will be working hard to get to know new candidates and to help elect those that voice support for key credit union issues.
Iowa
The Iowa Caucuses were held on January, 3, 2012 and Iowa credit unions utilized the national spotlight to grow bi-partisan and public support for issues that matter to us. The Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL) will not directly weigh in on the presidential election. ICUL engages in both local and national races. Since CUNA doesn't endorse candidates or take sides, ICUL focuses on state legislative races. ICUL focuses on maximizing the impact of state PAC resources and will be looking for "opportunity" races for seats in the Iowa legislature. Nonetheless, we plan to continue our effort to bring local and national attention to credit union issues and have implemented a member engagement plan to activate our grassroots advocates in the run up to the general election and beyond. In the run up to the Iowa Caucuses, credit union leaders in Iowa partnered with ICUL to implement a member-engagement plan. The plan empowers advocates to attend town hall events, promote the "credit union difference" through op-ed pieces and earned media, and learn about ways to positively influence legislation affecting their financial future. As part of the broader advocacy campaign, a new website, www.IowaCreditUnions.com/OneMilllionStrong, was designed to educate, organize and activate credit union advocates.
Kansas
For us the 2012 election is obviously an opportunity for the Kansas CU Association and our Kansas credit unions to support credit union-friendly candidates for both state and federal offices. We'll be working to support these candidates through the election process by providing them donations from our political action committee, as well as working with them on the grassroots level.
I anticipate that here in Kansas we'll probably be more busy than in past years. We have 165 state legislators who are all up this year, so for us on the state level it will be particularly busy compared to the 2010 election cycle.
Kentucky
The Kentucky CU League does not get involved in presidential races. However, if a presidential candidate is ever from our state and we have an established relationship with that person, that may very well change.
Since we have the 4th District Congressional seat open this election, we will be very active after the primary interviewing and educating the remaining two candidates. Our involvement at this point will be the foundation for establishing a strong, on-going relationship with the candidate that supports credit unions' mission and philosophy.
We are fortunate in Kentucky to have great relationships with our delegation. With our board's direction, we will continue to be involved and support those candidates that support credit unions. With the open seat in the 4th and what is anticipated to be a close race in the 6th, there is even more motivation for the league and our credit unions to step up and take an active role in the election process.
Louisiana
We are fortunate that the Louisiana delegation has been supportive of credit union issues in the past. Typically, we have supported our incumbents with PAC funds to help with their campaigns. This year, with the lack of commitment to the MBL issues that our industry faces, we may find PAC funds not as easy to give and may ask our members to hold support. We do not see Louisiana credit unions involved in the presidential election first hand, but will be watching it very closely. Our state and national PAC will continue to be the focus of our fundraising efforts. These efforts include the payroll deduction program, candy sales, 50/50 raffles, dress down days, crawfish boils, golf tournaments, silent auctions, chili cook-off, comedy night, penny wars, and some very creative chapter vs. chapter competitions at LCUL's annual convention.
Maine
The Maine Credit Union League will again be significantly involved in the 2012 elections. A survey to determine a candidate's level of understanding and support of credit unions will be sent out in the summer. The league's Political Involvement Committee will review the results and make recommendations on candidate endorsements. Our focus is on both our state and congressional candidates, and we will support them through credit union visits, volunteering on campaigns and other ways, as needed. We will discuss both the state and national elections at length at our Annual Legislative Forum, which will be held in October. Renowned-pollster and analyst, Scott Rasmussen, will be our featured speaker this year. We are actively involved in fundraising for CULAC and political candidates, and coordinate a number of fundraisers including several statewide Dress Down Weeks, a CULAC Chapter Challenge, as well as continuing to increase participation in Payroll Deduction for CULAC. In addition, we play an active role in statewide 'Get Out the Vote' efforts and work directly with the Secretary of State's Office to distribute materials and encourage voter registration drives at credit unions. We also have a special link on our website to register to vote, and materials for credit unions to highlight the importance of voting and supporting credit union-friendly candidates to their members.
Maryland/DC
The Maryland and District of Columbia Credit Union Association will be endorsing candidates in both Maryland and the District of Columbia. Furthermore, local PACs will be making donations to candidates that have been endorsed by the Association.
MDDCCUA is planning on endorsing candidates for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, D.C. City Council, and D.C. School Board. There are no state-wide or General Assembly races in Maryland this year.
Being in the shadow of the federal government allows our credit unions to be involved on the national scene. Unfortunately, neither Maryland nor the District of Columbia are expected to be very contested at the presidential level, so MDDCCUA and its members will have little opportunity to play a role in the presidential race.
MDDCCUA is planning on coordinating with endorsed candidates to find ways in which credit unions can be involved in helping the campaigns of endorsed candidates. The league expects that activities will include campaign contributions, press availabilities and releases, and town hall meetings.
Massachusetts/New Hampshire/Rhode Island
Our primary goal in each election cycle is to help educate the candidates about credit unions and conversely help our member credit unions understand where the candidates stand on credit union issues. After that we make a point of encouraging credit union leaders to continue to play an active role in the political life in their communities and in doing so to make sure that the best interests of the credit union movement are a focal point of their political activity.
Michigan
At MCUL, our legislative advocacy efforts continue year-round, whether it is an election year or not.
We serve a critical role of advocating for credit unions with state and federal lawmakers in an effort to make credit union issues part of ongoing policy discourse and provide a conduit for member credit unions to interact with their lawmakers.
The MCUL provides numerous opportunities for credit union staff to interact with lawmakers and regulators, both in events throughout Michigan and in Washington D.C. These events give industry leaders access to decision makers, helping the league make its case for the continued prosperity of credit unions and their members.
We expect nearly 130 Michigan credit union leaders will attend this year's CUNA GAC, which will be followed in April by our MCUL GAC. Our Hike the Hill event in May offers yet another chance for our credit union community to interact with lawmakers. Last year more than 30 credit union officials from across the state took part, with visits to all 17 members of Michigan's Congressional delegation. We also host a one-day, biannual event at our state capitol featuring a legislative luncheon and a briefing and review with MCUL staff. At our regular chapter legislative breakfasts, state and federal legislators are featured speakers. It's noteworthy to mention that Rep. Sander Levin signed on as a co-sponsor of the MBL legislation shortly after attending a chapter legislative breakfast and hearing about the issue directly from our credit union community.
We look forward to a robust election season and the opportunity to continue to keep credit union issues in front of our lawmakers.
Minnesota
No matter what time of year, Minnesota credit unions understand the importance of being involved in the political process. With more than 1.5 million members, Minnesota credit unions have the capability to shape any election. Throughout the year, credit union professionals and volunteers form and cultivate relationships with elected officials and those vying for political office. In an election year, we ensure that the movement's voice is heard by promoting credit union-friendly candidates and aiding in their election to positions at the state and federal level.
During the 2012 election season, Minnesota credit unions will be active supporters of both state and national races. The Minnesota Credit Union Network will use its Credit Union Voter Guide to gain insight into Minnesota candidates' positions on issues important to credit unions. This survey asks those running for state or federal office where they stand on several issues, including the credit union difference and tax exemption. Candidates' responses provide us guidance on which candidates understand the characteristics that make credit unions unique and which ones need to learn more about the movement.
In addition to the voter guide, Minnesota credit unions will financially support local and national races and participate in campaigns through several volunteer activities. For Minnesota credit unions, election year isn't about supporting a particular political party. Rather, it's about supporting a candidate who believes in helping credit unions thrive-both now and in the future-and ensuring that the movement's voice is heard at the State Capitol and on Capitol Hill.
Missouri
The Missouri Credit Union Association (MCUA) plans to be very involved in the 2012 elections and will take an active role in state and national races. For the presidential elections, MCUA will communicate the candidates' positions to credit unions and encourage credit union staff, volunteers and members to support the candidate of their choice. In regards to Missouri-specific races, the Missouri U.S. Senate race with incumbent Senator Claire McCaskill (D) is the focus of national attention. Missouri faces a challenging year due to the loss of a Congressional seat. As this is being written, Missourians still don't know how the U.S. House districts will be drawn and who they may have as a candidate for U.S. Representative. We face the same re-districting issues on the state House and Senate level. The outcome of these races will have a tremendous impact on credit unions. To assess candidates' position on credit union issues, we will interview Missouri's federal candidates. MCUA has adopted an endorsement policy, and we will be determining and recognizing credit union champions. Depending on the candidate's level of support for credit unions and with the approval of the MCUA Governmental Affairs Committee and Board of Directors, MCUA will endorse U.S. House and Senate candidates and work with credit unions to provide campaign support. MCUA will be similarly active in local General Assembly elections. Recognition, support, and action for candidates who are credit union champions is a key focus in 2012.
Montana
In every election cycle, Montana credit unions support our state's electoral democracy and credit union-friendly candidates in two main ways: by co-sponsoring non-partisan Candidate Schools in four Montana communities, and by holding an annual Raffle sponsored by Montana CUAC, ourstate political action committee for credit unions. We're doing the same in 2012.
Those credit unions that choose to participate in the CUAC Raffle, sell tickets in their branches. The total raffle contributions are split-40% going to CUAC and 60% to CULAC. The money that stays in the state is used to support credit union-friendly legislative candidates and other political advocacy work in Montana. The actual allocation is decided by the CUAC Trustees. The money that goes to CULAC is used to support national candidates and political advocacy.
Every two years in January or February, Montana credit unions along with the Montana Electric Coop Association, the Montana Chamber of Commerce (and this year the Montana Realtors Association), sponsor day-long, non-partisan campaign schools. Designed to give candidate and individuals considering a run for local, county, or state office, the schools offer a quick but comprehensive look into all facets of running a campaign in Montana. This year, over 120 people-including county commission, sheriff, legislative, and judicial candidates-attended one of the four sessions.
Neither the CUAC Raffle nor the Campaign Schools are new or unique to this year. But both serve to increase our visibility and heighten awareness of credit unions in the minds of candidates and policy makers at all levels of government.
Nebraska
Nebraska's credit unions will be involved in the 2012 Elections at the local, state and federal levels. We have a strategy that includes financial involvement, political grassroots involvement, and legislative involvement. In addition to supporting candidates through personal and PAC contributions, credit union advocates will help candidates at the grassroots level by assisting with campaign activities such as Get Out the Vote mailings, walking in community parades, going door to door before election day, and of course VOTING! Along with these activities, advocates will continue to meet with current lawmakers on legislative issues at the state and federal level that impact the credit union movement. Traditionally, Nebraska's credit unions do not formally get involved in Presidential elections. However, Nebraska credit union advocates are encouraged to get involved in any political campaign, regardless of the office, if they so desire.
New Mexico
The Credit Union Association of New Mexico board of directors has just adopted a candidate endorsement policy. Through this policy, the CUANM can issue a formal endorsement of a candidate, mobilize volunteers, and encourage credit unions to conduct direct mail campaigns advocating for the candidate. We also plan to organize fund-raisers for credit union-friendly candidates.
While CUANM only gets involved in state and congressional races, we encourage credit union employees and volunteers to get involved in the presidential races too.
We are currently in the process of acquiring a Political Action Committee website that will transition us to more online means of fund-raising and grassroots participation because online fund-raising is now the fastest-growing method of raising money for political purposes.
New York
We anticipate being active during the 2012 elections. This year presents a slightly different scenario at both the state and federal level due to the impact of redistricting. New York is losing two Congressional seats and is in the process of redrawing the district lines at the state and federal levels, which may create an additional State senate district. This will result in additional primaries and new candidates. We will work with the campaigns to identify candidates supportive of credit unions and seek to bolster their efforts through a combination of PAC and grassroots support.
North Carolina
In 2010, Republicans won control of both chambers of the North Carolina General Assembly for the first time in more than 100 years. With Republican hands drawing new state and federal districts last year, 2012 promises to be another year of change politically.
As a result of these new realities, credit unions will be meeting a lot of new faces on the campaign trail this year. The league will be conducting candidate surveys to assist credit unions with understanding where these newcomers stand on issues of importance to credit unions. These profiles will cover candidates for state and federal offices.
To engage members in the process, the league is working with interested credit unions in conducting voter registration drives. These drives are a valuable member service in that people can update personal information, switch political affiliation, or register to vote.
The league will be actively fundraising for CULAC and CUPAC, and identifying state and federal candidates to support financially and otherwise. We will also be engaging our credit unions and working with them to meet candidates through credit union visits and other events.
While the Democratic National Convention will be held in Charlotte in September and North Carolina credit unions will be quite involved, the league will not be committing resources to the broader presidential campaign. Traditionally, the league keeps its focus on helping to identify and elect the most credit union-friendly candidates from North Carolina to serve in Raleigh and Washington.
North Dakota/South Dakota
The Dakota Governmental Affairs Committees will again be facilitating state-wide Legislative Chapter Events. These hugely successful events, which are now going on their sixth year, are credit union specific educational and awareness events that bring our advocacy/grassroots efforts to the chapter level. The program is skillfully designed to bring credit union professionals and advocates and state and federal representatives and candidates together for an informal evening of credit union education and advocacy awareness. More importantly, these events have achieved measurable results as they have successfully reached out to more than 190 state legislators and candidates in North Dakota and around 75 state legislators and candidates in South Dakota the last two election cycles, including candidates for governor in both states. Also, these events expect to attract nearly 300 credit union ambassadors and supporters to these events. That equates to the credit unions connecting to roughly 70 percent of our state lawmakers and prospective candidates each election year. Association staff and advocates will log more than 6,000 miles traveling to and hosting these events throughout North and South Dakota this election cycle August, September and October. That is the equivalent of traveling from the east coast to the west coast, and back (as the crow flies).
As an association we will not be directly involved in the Presidential race. However, the Credit Union Association of the Dakotas encourages our members to exercise their constitutional right to vote and to actively participate, express their opinions, and be full participants in political, governmental, and community affairs. When CUAD collects information from candidates for voter education purposes, CUAD may add editorial comments to clarify candidate claims or statements that CUAD deems to be deceptive or misleading, or that require further explanation. Nothing is planned at this point for this election season, but it is likely that we will be organizing fund-raising events for federal candidates in North and South Dakota this summer.
Ohio
The Ohio Credit Union League is heavily involved with races leading up to the 2012 election, focusing on retaining candidates who support credit union issues in Washington D.C. and in the Ohio General Assembly.
On the Congressional front, the Ohio league fully supported Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo) in her March 6 primary race against fellow incumbent Dennis Kucinich (D-Cleveland) in the newly configured 9th congressional district. Rep. Kaptur has been a staunch supporter of credit unions, sponsoring key legislation such as H.R. 1418.
Similarly, the league fully backed State Senator Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering) during the primary period as she looked to retain her seat in the Ohio Senate. Sen. Lehner is a co-sponsor of legislation in the Ohio General Assembly that would enact Ohio credit unions to serve as public depositories.
With the primary season at a close, the league's efforts will turn to supporting our champion legislators in their upcoming races. 2011 was a record-breaking fundraising year for the Ohio Political Action Committees, and those funds will be needed as legislators who support credit union issues will face challenges.
Our champions in D.C. and Columbus, which have stood tall against bank threats and supported our legislative agenda, will also be supported by in-district fundraisers and grassroots campaign support from credit unions.
Oregon/Washington
The Northwest Credit Union Association will be involved in hundreds of races during the 2012 elections. Most of those will be state legislative races, but the Association also has several statewide executive races in Oregon and Washington, including Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Auditor, and three congressional races.
The NWCUA concentrates on state legislative, statewide executive, and congressional races. We do not get involved in the Presidential race and never have.
Most of our state PAC funds are raised through contributions from our credit unions. In July however we hold CULAC Month where each of our credit unions is asked to hold a fundraiser for their employees to raise money for CULAC.
Pennsylvania
The 2012 election cycle is important to Pennsylvanians and credit unions. Following the 2010 census, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania lost a U. S. Congressional seat, from 19 to 18. The ensuing re-districting has left some Pennsylvanians with new representatives and has even pitted two incumbents against one another. Rep. Mike Fitzpatrick (R-8) is a member of the House Committee on Financial Services, a key committee for credit unions. The Pennsylvania Credit Union Association (PCUA) supported Rep. Fitzpatrick in prior elections and continues to work with both him and his staff on issues impacting credit unions.
The re-districting pits incumbents Rep. Jason Altmire (D-4) and Rep. Mark Critz (D-12) against one another and both have supported credit union legislation. Further, Pennsylvania's U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D) is also up for re-election against the Republican winner from a large primary field of candidates. PCUA has had a long relationship with Sen. Casey since he served as state Treasurer.
At the state level, one-half of the state senate (50) and all state house (203) members are up for election. In addition, there will be 23 open seats due to retirements, legislators who won local office or running for higher office, and re-districting. Six of these seats will be decided by a special election. In November, the state's row offices (Attorney General, Auditor General and Treasurer) will also be elected. This follows the new Governor who was elected in 2010. PCUA is working to continue to build relationships with candidates at all levels. As always, PCUA and its state GAC continue to build relationships with lawmakers by getting credit unions more involved in the political process through candidate interviews, meet and greets, and visits
South Carolina
In South Carolina, presidential election years differ very little from any other election year in terms of resources used or positions taken. Our annual activity includes hosting an occasional meet-and-greet for our friends in Congress, offering available space in publications for their appropriate statements of support for credit unions, and attendance of many fundraisers and receptions for members of the South Carolina General Assembly.
We rarely see need for significant involvement in presidential politics, thanks to CUNA's ability to secure supportive statements from both party candidates. We do share those in our regular communications, along with any other pertinent activity or positions taken by either candidate along the campaign trail.
This year will be different in one significant way: Credit unions in both Carolinas are joining through the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation to fund a revamped rooftop garden at Levine Children's Hospital in Charlotte, NC. It will be presented in conjunction with the 2012 Democratic National Convention there, reinforcing in the minds of all involved our long-held connections with communities and Children's Miracle Network.
Tennessee
The role the Tennessee League has taken in political races will be dictated by our policy of helping those incumbents that are credit union-friendly. The Tennessee Credit Union League has built strong relationships with both state and federal elected officials and we will continue to build on those relationships though our grassroots network in the coming elections.
The league supports and will be involved in getting credit union leaders from across the state active in state races for those state legislators that are on key committees and in leadership.
Tennessee Credit Union League is providing access to credit union-friendly members of Congress to a broad spectrum of Tennessee credit union members who are also voters. Working in conjunction with CULAC we have made political contributions and along with credit union professionals attended several fundraiser across the state.
We will encourage Tennessee credit unions to become active in the presidential race. The league will be a resource of information for our credit unions on the positions the president and the various candidates have taken on credit union issues.
Tennessee credit unions depend on the league to be their advocate with regulators and legislators and to provide an environment for credit unions to be successful.
Texas
While we've identified several key races in Texas, with redistricting still tied up in courts and the fate of many lawmakers still up in the air, we are in a holding pattern with many races. Traditionally we come out strong in support of long time credit union champions and we've hosted a fundraiser for one of our key supporters, Congressman Kenny Marchant, who faces a strong primary opponent. Texas is poised to gain four seats once the redistricting dust settles, and we plan on watching those races carefully and establishing strong relationships early. In the meantime, a great deal of our effort surrounds our grassroots infrastructure initiative-CU:ROAR. CU:ROAR (which stands for Credit Unions : Ready, Organize, Activate, Respond) involves building strong political action teams at the credit union level in an effort to engage more staff and board members than ever before. This infrastructure makes it easier to not only build local political relationships but to raise PAC funds in the long term.
Utah
Utah credit unions have a long and storied history of direct involvement in elections. As always, we will help with fundraising, grassroots organizing and express advocacy to credit union members. We are currently training CU employees and volunteers on participation in Utah's caucus/convention system.
Vermont
As a small state, Vermont's congressional races don't often have much strong competition. We support credit union sympathetic candidates for Congress financially, but much of the Association of Vermont Credit Union's focus is on state level races. We actively support candidates for the Vermont Legislature who have exhibited an understanding of and dedication to credit union ideals. We also participate in non-party specific events, and typically conduct a survey of candidate attitudes toward credit unions, the results of which are publicized in a score-card of sorts and circulated among credit unions and their members for use in the election process.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin's Credit Union Activists will be fully engaged in the 2012 elections. Wisconsin activists, league staff and system partners will participate in elections at all levels. Local races are the springboard for higher office and often times state officials move up to federal positions. Therefore, it's imperative we impart the nature, size and value of credit unions with candidates for public office early in their careers. Additionally, The league will encourage members to become informed and involved in the Presidential election. league staff and activists will likely attend events for Presidential candidates as we have in the past.
The Wisconsin league has a dedicated webpage for elected officials and those seeking office that describes the member and community contributions of credit unions through video testimonials by credit union staff and members.
In addition, we prepare candidate surveys for both state and federal candidates. Those surveys are then made available for our Activists to review when deciding who they are going to support.
The Wisconsin league administers a state Political Action Committee (PAC) which routinely ranks in the top five of all Wisconsin state PACs for campaign contributions each cycle. In addition, Wisconsin allows organizations to formally bundle individuals' contributions and write and single check to campaigns. This is called a Conduit program. The league's conduit program is called the Members' Conduit and it was used to direct a significant amount of individual campaign contributions last election cycle. Conduit account holders authorize contributions to those they would like to support and The league provides a single check to the candidate on behalf of credit unions so both the individual and the credit union movement get credit for the donation.
In 2012, Wisconsin Credit Union supporters will volunteer for, donate to campaigns and ultimately work to ensure pro-credit union candidates are elected.
