MINNETONKA, Minn.-Credit unions here were already happy to support Republican Eric Paulsen, but that decision became all the more important after they learned of his opponent's proposal to repeal the credit union tax exemption.
Democrat Ashwin Madia made the proposal to raise federal revenues to be used to help small businesses expand health care for their employees.
Credit unions turned out with a rare endorsement by the Minnesota CU League for Paulsen, as well as a $10,000 contribution from CUNA, and volunteers for the Paulsen campaign.
Paulsen ended up winning a three-way race Tuesday for the state's 3rd House district, besting Madia by 48% to 41%, with an independent candidate receiving almost 10% of the vote. The House seat had been held for 16 years by Republican Jim Ramstad, who is retiring from Congress.
"The (Minnesota) league stuck with a candidate and it paid off in the end," said Richard Gose, political director for CUNA.
