Last-Minute Contributions BoostedCU-Backed Candidates

WASHINGTON - (12/03/04) -- CUNA was busy in the final two weeksof the congressional elections doling out contributions to favoredcandidates and their campaigns. Federal Election Commission reportsreleased Thursday show CUNA made $244,858 in contributions in thefinal two weeks of the elections, including an unprecedented$155,858 in independent expenditures on behalf of two candidates,Pennsylvania Democratic State Sen. Allyson Schwartz, who won hercampaign for the House, and Republican Rep. Phil Crane, who lost abid for a 19th term. CUNA also made 38 contributions to alliedcandidates in the final two weeks, including 22 contributionstotaling $50,000 on Oct. 14. The biggest checks, all for $5,000, inthose final days went to: Greg Walcher, R-Colo., David Reichert,R-Wash., Nancy Naples, R-N.Y., William Clay, D-Mo., Steve Chabot,R-Ohio, Heather Wilson, R-N.M., and Virginia Foxx, R-Va.. All butWalcher and Naples were victorious. CUNA has also been helpingsuccessful candidates replenish their campaign funds after theelections, making a total of 15 contributions for $20,500 sinceelection day. During the 2003-2004 campaign, CUNA set new highs,for funds raised, and for spending $3.4 million, including $2.6million in contributions to candidates and the two major politicalparties.