State Roundup 2016: Presidential Politics
February 19, 2016 1:00 PM
CU Journal asked the state leagues: How does a presidential election year change your political strategy, and does your league get involved in the presidential election (i.e. endorsements, contributions to presidential candidates)? Or do you remain focused on Congressional and local campaigns?
ALABAMA/FLORIDA
For the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates, a presidential election year won't significantly change its advocacy strategy. We still focus on important issues for credit unions, and that won't change because a new person is being elected to the White House. The strategies could be altered with a new president. However, we will still be focused on improving the operating environment for credit unions. The LSCU won't endorse any candidate for president. However, we are more interested in the presidential race since there are three Floridians running on the Republican side. We have attended some events for the candidates and will be paying close attention to how the Republican ticket shakes out.
From a federal delegation standpoint, the league is extremely involved in the congressional elections in both states. In Alabama, there is not expected to be any turnover in the federal delegation. In Florida, due to the ongoing redistricting, there will be some changes in the political landscape. Plus, a few seats are open as some members are now running for Marco Rubio's U.S. Senate seat.
On the state level, Florida has all 120 state House seats and all 40 state senate seats up for election. The league will be highly active and engaged in these elections from a grassroots advocacy standpoint. This will include walking for credit union-friendly candidates, as well as working to get credit unions engaged in key races. With so many seats up for grabs, credit unions have a real chance to make a difference in 2016. Alabama does not have any state elections in 2016.
From a federal delegation standpoint, the league is extremely involved in the congressional elections in both states. In Alabama, there is not expected to be any turnover in the federal delegation. In Florida, due to the ongoing redistricting, there will be some changes in the political landscape. Plus, a few seats are open as some members are now running for Marco Rubio's U.S. Senate seat.
On the state level, Florida has all 120 state House seats and all 40 state senate seats up for election. The league will be highly active and engaged in these elections from a grassroots advocacy standpoint. This will include walking for credit union-friendly candidates, as well as working to get credit unions engaged in key races. With so many seats up for grabs, credit unions have a real chance to make a difference in 2016. Alabama does not have any state elections in 2016.
ALASKA
We are not changing strategy at all in this election year and will remain focused on congressional and regulatory issues. Also, the ACUL has a policy to avoid direct political endorsements.
ARIZONA/COLORADO/WYOMING
Presidential years always change the planning of any election strategy. You have to really look deep and analyze how any one candidate will possibly encourage the electorate to get out and vote. Then, apply that momentum to a preferred candidate of the same party in a particular district that might turn out to vote. So, in the big plan, you have to take into account how it might help or hurt a potential endorsed candidate.
On the presidential race, we would love to be involved, but the movement needs one clear voice vs. having many different action plans, so we work side-by-side with CUNA. We dive deep into local, state and congressional races, and really work to build long-term relationships with candidates who believe the same values our credit union movement brings to our members and consumers.
On the presidential race, we would love to be involved, but the movement needs one clear voice vs. having many different action plans, so we work side-by-side with CUNA. We dive deep into local, state and congressional races, and really work to build long-term relationships with candidates who believe the same values our credit union movement brings to our members and consumers.
ARKANSAS/OKLAHOMA/TEXAS
The Cornerstone Credit Union League is focused on providing support to our credit union friends in competitive races and building new allies in open seats. While we are certainly affected by political events on a national level, particularly when they involve prominent legislative issues, we're more engaged at the local level providing PAC support and inviting local credit unions to meet with candidates and cultivate strong relationships. We consistently encourage credit union teams to get politically engaged through our CU:ROAR (Credit Unions: Ready, Organize, Activate, Respond) advocacy and grassroots program, and we may also recruit volunteers to help our credit union allies in the more competitive races.
CALIFORNIA/NEVADA
The California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues are involved in nearly every facet of elections. Both states are politically active, and we never miss an opportunity to engage in major agendas both in Washington and in our state capitols (Sacramento and Carson City). And we consistently maintain a high visibility at both the national conventions during a presidential election year.
The key to our long-term success is building a bench within local and state level of governments, which we know translates to Congress and higher offices in the future. All of our newer members of Congress came from the local or state level-and that's where we began to build those relationships. The successes we've have at the congressional level, including multiple support letters on NCUA's FOM rule, are possible because of those successes we've built at the state level as well as our local members being engaged.
The leagues are committed to playing the long-term game which involves all levels of elections.
The key to our long-term success is building a bench within local and state level of governments, which we know translates to Congress and higher offices in the future. All of our newer members of Congress came from the local or state level-and that's where we began to build those relationships. The successes we've have at the congressional level, including multiple support letters on NCUA's FOM rule, are possible because of those successes we've built at the state level as well as our local members being engaged.
The leagues are committed to playing the long-term game which involves all levels of elections.
CONNECTICUT
It is always important to keep in mind the current political landscape and upcoming elections when advocating for issues. Since there are no anti-credit union candidates, we will not get involved with the presidential election at this time. Our focus will be on those who are in office and making decisions that affect credit unions today. The more support we can gain now for our issues, the better off we will be negotiating on them with whomever is elected in the future. Setting a precedent is an important strategy, and it's always a good idea to focus on building strong relationships with those who are currently elected.
DELAWARE
The Delaware league remains focused on local and congressional campaigns. Our credit union leaders are closely tied to the communities they support; however, we maintain a vigilant eye on national issues that impact our credit unions. We will be watching the race for governor very closely, as we have a long-standing relationship with U.S. Rep. John Carney, who will be making a bid for the office. We are also keeping a close eye on Sean Barney and Bryon Short as they, along with others, make a bid to become our new U.S. Representative. Delaware has a large population of military-active, retired, reserves, and National Guard-and all legislation concerning the Department of Defense has the potential to affect our credit unions and their members. We are proud that Delaware's congressional leaders (Sens. Carper and Coons and Rep. Carney) were at the forefront in recent cybersecurity legislation-an issue that impacts credit unions both in Delaware and across the nation.
GEORGIA
Advocacy for credit unions in Georgia and on the federal level is a 365-day occurrence. Things like elections (presidential or local), bill mark-ups, lobbying and fundraising always provide an opportunity to review your messaging, focus your efforts and shape your views. You never want to be like the batter who wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit him...
HAWAII
The Hawaii Credit Union League does not get involved in presidential elections. Although HCUL does not endorse candidates for elective office, it is actively involved in supporting political campaigns of Hawaii policymakers who are supportive of credit union-related issues in the congressional, state gubernatorial and legislative, and county mayoral and council levels of government.
That being said, Hawaii is a very "blue" state-as evidenced by all four members of its congressional delegation and an overwhelming majority of the state legislature being members of the Democratic Party. County elections are largely nonpartisan though, ideologically, council members tend to be more liberal than conservative.
That being said, Hawaii is a very "blue" state-as evidenced by all four members of its congressional delegation and an overwhelming majority of the state legislature being members of the Democratic Party. County elections are largely nonpartisan though, ideologically, council members tend to be more liberal than conservative.
ILLINOIS
We are focused on state races and work through CULAC (Credit Union Legislative Action Council) on Congressional races. We don't get involved in the presidential election.
INDIANA
The Indiana Credit Union League does not get involved in the presidential election and the fact that it is a presidential year does not have a significant impact on our overall political strategy. It is a politically challenging year for us because we do have an open U.S. Senate seat that has led to two open U.S. House seats with hard-fought Republican primaries taking place in all three. We do expect the dynamics of these races themselves to be impacted by the dynamics of the Republican presidential primary as it makes its way to Indiana and likely remains undecided. Our strategy remains the same-we will continue to focus on building relationships with and supporting candidates who support credit unions in Congress and at the Indiana Statehouse.
IOWA
The Iowa Credit Union League mostly focuses on state and federal elections, but uses the presidential primary season as a way to continue to educate and engage members, employees and the general public about the credit union difference. Utilizing CUNA's "Strong credit unions. Strong middle class." campaign materials, ICUL shared information with Iowa credit union members and employees on its advocacy homepage at www.IowaCreditUnions.com/StrongerTogether , as well as through social media and newsletter communications to its advocacy database. ICUL does not endorse or financially contribute to presidential campaigns.
KANSAS/MISSOURI
The high profile impact of a presidential election year influences the level of interest by voters and in turn, provides great opportunities to highlight the credit union difference with candidates. However, the Heartland Credit Union Association, serving credit unions in Kansas and Missouri, does not get involved directly in the presidential election. Our focus is on the congressional, statewide, state house and state senate elections, as these officeholders have the most direct potential impact to our member credit unions and their members. We engage with elected officials and candidates through district events and one-on-one meetings as opportunity allows, and work to connect credit union advocates with campaigns and events. HCUA will send surveys to primary winners with questions that focus on credit union issues and concerns, which helps provide background on candidates for our members.
MAINE
In Maine, the league remains focused on state and congressional campaigns, rather than getting involved in the presidential election. We believe our advocacy efforts are best served working for and supporting candidates for the Maine Legislature and our members of Congress. As a result of our efforts, we have had significant success in electing candidates who support credit unions at both the state and national level. In 2015, we achieved a 100% success rate on achieving the outcome we desired on bills of interest and/or impact to credit unions in the Maine Legislature.
Nationally, our advocacy and election efforts have resulted in strong relationships with members of our congressional delegation, including members of our delegation frequently co-sponsoring and supporting our position on important legislation to credit unions. Our focus is on building and strengthening relationships with our own elected officials instead. Our priority this election year will be primarily on identifying, contributing to and supporting candidates for the Maine Legislature and representing Maine in Congress.
Nationally, our advocacy and election efforts have resulted in strong relationships with members of our congressional delegation, including members of our delegation frequently co-sponsoring and supporting our position on important legislation to credit unions. Our focus is on building and strengthening relationships with our own elected officials instead. Our priority this election year will be primarily on identifying, contributing to and supporting candidates for the Maine Legislature and representing Maine in Congress.
MARYLAND/DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The presidential campaign does not really change our focus and advocacy strategies. But we do see the race and the congressional races that run parallel, especially in Maryland, as a real opportunity to get our credit union message out there.
We don't get involved on the presidential level in terms of endorsements, etc. Our main campaign focus remains state and local. With Sen. Mikulski retiring, it has set off a massive movement of candidates, in a state that normally has little movement in races.
Two of our congressional delegation are running for that Senate seat, and a whole host of state delegates and state senators are running for those two House seats in turn.
We have directly engaged with more than a dozen candidates running for Senate and House in turn for potential support and relationship building and that will remain our main focus.
We don't get involved on the presidential level in terms of endorsements, etc. Our main campaign focus remains state and local. With Sen. Mikulski retiring, it has set off a massive movement of candidates, in a state that normally has little movement in races.
Two of our congressional delegation are running for that Senate seat, and a whole host of state delegates and state senators are running for those two House seats in turn.
We have directly engaged with more than a dozen candidates running for Senate and House in turn for potential support and relationship building and that will remain our main focus.
MICHIGAN
Michigan CU League members have a high level of interest in the upcoming presidential election. Our members will be involved in the national conventions and attend the upcoming debates to be held in Michigan. However, most of our efforts in 2016 will focus on congressional and state legislative campaigns. At the federal level our efforts will be focused on strengthening relationships with current lawmakers and effectively building relationships in the two open congressional seats in play. At the state level we will continue to actively promote the credit union difference since more than one-third of our state House of Representatives will see turnover due to term limits. Michigan is often viewed as a safe Democratic state in presidential politics, but our state government is controlled by Republicans. Michigan's voters tend be more Democratic in presidential years. This factor, combined with highly charged local issues, may result in the state House of Representatives flipping back to Democrat control, which will require a high level of attention from the MCUL in 2016.
MISSISSIPPI
We are only focused on congressional and local elections, not the presidential race.
MONTANA
The presidential election won't have much effect, if any, on our overall political strategy, but that doesn't mean things will be quiet this year. Montana's five statewide offices, along with our lone congressional seat, and a slew of legislative races are on the ballot in 2016, and we will be concentrating on helping credit union supporters with their campaigns. The number of open seats also gives us lots of opportunities to reach out and talk to local candidates about credit unions, our issues, and our contributions to Montana's communities and economy.
NEW JERSEY
The New Jersey Credit Union League has never formally endorsed candidates, presidential or otherwise. We focus more on congressional races and post lawmaker scorecards so our members can see if and where elected officials have been supportive of credit unions.
NEW MEXICO
The credit union movement has debated for years whether to get involved in presidential politics. We think of it as administration politics, as in things that impact credit unions. We won't be holding a banner for one candidate over another, but we want to have a role with the new administration by making all campaigns aware of credit unions. Today the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Treasury Department have a great impact on credit unions and there is a great opportunity to get involved in those parts of the administration. This year, more so than in years past, there is an opportunity to have a voice with the administration, including Community Development Financial Institutions and lower-income designation, and maybe some new NCUA board members.
NEW YORK
The New York Credit Union Association's advocacy strategy does not change in a presidential election year. Rather than focusing on the presidential race, which is often divisive, we instead remain committed to building meaningful relationships with key decision makers in Congress, the state Legislature and the various regulatory agencies. Our bipartisan approach to advocacy has proven beneficial to New York's credit unions, and we continue to see strong support from policymakers on all sides of the political spectrum at all levels of government.
NORTH CAROLINA/SOUTH CAROLINA
While their activities continue to grow beyond the election year itself, presidential elections are forums for engaging top-level candidates, but they do not have significant bearing on detailed political strategy for the Carolinas Credit Union League and its membership. We do value the opportunities they present in seeking candidates' public statements of support for credit unions via the CUNA-League partnership and our "Strong Credit Unions. Strong Middle Class." campaign (middleclass2016.com)."
Within the Carolinas, one chapter of credit unions hosted a town hall meeting with candidate Carly Fiorina, and our preparation and exchange paid dividends. She understood the impact of Dodd-Frank on credit unions' ability to serve people and small businesses, and she shared that not only in her town hall remarks but also in subsequent addresses highlighted via news media.
Within the Carolinas, one chapter of credit unions hosted a town hall meeting with candidate Carly Fiorina, and our preparation and exchange paid dividends. She understood the impact of Dodd-Frank on credit unions' ability to serve people and small businesses, and she shared that not only in her town hall remarks but also in subsequent addresses highlighted via news media.
NORTH DAKOTA/SOUTH DAKOTA
While the Credit Union Association of the Dakotas continually encourages members to be engaged and active in the political process, the presidential primary and campaigns don't factor into our political strategy. We instead focus on congressional races, state legislative campaigns, and some constitutional office races.
In South Dakota, we will be focusing on the U.S. House race for the lone at-large seat between incumbent, U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R) and her challenger, State Rep., Paula Hawks (D-Minority Whip), from Sioux Falls. Noem is a heavy favorite to keep her seat, especially in the Republican-dominated state. CUAD members have successfully worked to strengthen its relationship with the congresswoman and has garnered much needed support from her on recent regulatory relief legislation. Since the South Dakota legislature has term limits (two, four-year consecutive terms in each chamber) we are anticipating a 40% to 50% turnover in both chambers this election cycle. South Dakota does not have a state credit union act and all of the credit unions are federally chartered, so our engagement with the state legislators is limited to consumer/member-related issues. This year, a statewide initiated ballot measure limiting payday lending limits and capping interest rates will be of interest to our credit unions.
In North Dakota, on the federal level, CUAD has developed a strong working relationship with U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer (R). Since being elected, Cramer has demonstrated strong support for a number of credit union legislative initiatives, including several regulatory relief issues. As of today, the North Dakota Democrats have not announced a candidate to challenge Cramer. The congressman beat back a challenge from a state senator in 2014.
On the state level, most of our attention will be focused on the governor's race, which is an open seat as Gov. Jack Dalrymple has elected not to run for a third term. We are just weeks away from party endorsing conventions, and as of today, the North Dakota Democratic Non-Partisan League has yet to have any candidate come forward. The real race here will take place at the North Dakota GOP convention between three candidates. The heavy favorite is Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. Despite what happens at the endorsing convention, we are anticipating a primary challenge from Fargo businessman/software developer, Doug Burgum. The top vote-getter in the primary will most certainly have an easy road to the governor's seat in the general election in November. In the state chambers, half of the legislative districts will be on the ballot where Republicans hold super majorities in both chambers and are likely to maintain the advantage again this election cycle.
Also, in both South Dakota and North Dakota, the Governmental Affairs Committees (GAC) will again be implementing and sponsoring state-wide credit union legislative "awareness" town hall meetings at the chapter level. These hugely successful chapter events are credit union specific educational and awareness events that bring our advocacy/grass roots efforts to the local/chapter level. More importantly, these events have achieved measurable results as they have successfully reached out to hundreds of state legislators over the last several election cycles in both states.
In South Dakota, we will be focusing on the U.S. House race for the lone at-large seat between incumbent, U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R) and her challenger, State Rep., Paula Hawks (D-Minority Whip), from Sioux Falls. Noem is a heavy favorite to keep her seat, especially in the Republican-dominated state. CUAD members have successfully worked to strengthen its relationship with the congresswoman and has garnered much needed support from her on recent regulatory relief legislation. Since the South Dakota legislature has term limits (two, four-year consecutive terms in each chamber) we are anticipating a 40% to 50% turnover in both chambers this election cycle. South Dakota does not have a state credit union act and all of the credit unions are federally chartered, so our engagement with the state legislators is limited to consumer/member-related issues. This year, a statewide initiated ballot measure limiting payday lending limits and capping interest rates will be of interest to our credit unions.
In North Dakota, on the federal level, CUAD has developed a strong working relationship with U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer (R). Since being elected, Cramer has demonstrated strong support for a number of credit union legislative initiatives, including several regulatory relief issues. As of today, the North Dakota Democrats have not announced a candidate to challenge Cramer. The congressman beat back a challenge from a state senator in 2014.
On the state level, most of our attention will be focused on the governor's race, which is an open seat as Gov. Jack Dalrymple has elected not to run for a third term. We are just weeks away from party endorsing conventions, and as of today, the North Dakota Democratic Non-Partisan League has yet to have any candidate come forward. The real race here will take place at the North Dakota GOP convention between three candidates. The heavy favorite is Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem. Despite what happens at the endorsing convention, we are anticipating a primary challenge from Fargo businessman/software developer, Doug Burgum. The top vote-getter in the primary will most certainly have an easy road to the governor's seat in the general election in November. In the state chambers, half of the legislative districts will be on the ballot where Republicans hold super majorities in both chambers and are likely to maintain the advantage again this election cycle.
Also, in both South Dakota and North Dakota, the Governmental Affairs Committees (GAC) will again be implementing and sponsoring state-wide credit union legislative "awareness" town hall meetings at the chapter level. These hugely successful chapter events are credit union specific educational and awareness events that bring our advocacy/grass roots efforts to the local/chapter level. More importantly, these events have achieved measurable results as they have successfully reached out to hundreds of state legislators over the last several election cycles in both states.
OREGON/WASHINGTON
The Northwest Credit Union Association is in favor of engaging a "5 million-seat" strategy to elect and retain champions in the Oregon and Washington legislatures as well as in the beltway. That means all 157 NWCUA member credit unions, their CEOs, the 15,000 Northwest credit union employees and their 5.2 million members. The greater our commitment to collective action, the more powerful we become as a movement.
It is no secret that more people vote in presidential elections, so we plan to leverage that interest with #CUGetOutTheVote. This is a campaign supported by credit unions to encourage their members to vote for CU champions. The Northwest Credit Union Association and our member credit unions will remain heavily engaged in congressional, state-wide and legislative races, interviewing candidates, rallying grassroots support and making PAC contributions. Before Nov. 8, our credit union Key Contacts will have met with more than 200 candidates and incumbents in Oregon and Washington.
It is no secret that more people vote in presidential elections, so we plan to leverage that interest with #CUGetOutTheVote. This is a campaign supported by credit unions to encourage their members to vote for CU champions. The Northwest Credit Union Association and our member credit unions will remain heavily engaged in congressional, state-wide and legislative races, interviewing candidates, rallying grassroots support and making PAC contributions. Before Nov. 8, our credit union Key Contacts will have met with more than 200 candidates and incumbents in Oregon and Washington.
PENNSYLVANIA
This year in Pennsylvania, we are fortunate to be hosting the Democratic Convention in the birthplace of America, Philadelphia. Because we are hosting one of the two conventions, the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association will be working closely with CUNA to ensure that credit unions are visible on the national stage. While other organizations and industries travel to convention host cities to throw big parties, credit unions will be leaving behind a tangible project that will have a lasting impact on the local community. By partnering with CUNA and credit unions throughout Pennsylvania and across the country, we are going to build an outdoor health and wellness garden at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Karabots Pediatric Care Center that will positively impact the hospital's young patients and their families as well as enrich the local community. In addition to funding the leave-behind project, credit union professionals and volunteers will have opportunities to lend a helping hand throughout the process of building the health and wellness garden.
In other races, our association and credit union leaders throughout Pennsylvania will be actively engaged in various congressional and state campaigns, supporting credit union-friendly candidates regardless of party affiliation. We are fortunate in Pennsylvania to have strong relationships with many elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels, and will help many of those who support credit unions at election time.
In other races, our association and credit union leaders throughout Pennsylvania will be actively engaged in various congressional and state campaigns, supporting credit union-friendly candidates regardless of party affiliation. We are fortunate in Pennsylvania to have strong relationships with many elected officials at the federal, state, and local levels, and will help many of those who support credit unions at election time.
VERMONT
Although Vermont credit unions are pleased to have a very strong supporter and advocate of credit unions [U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders] as a presidential candidate in 2016, the Association of Vermont Credit Unions has never been involved in any way in presidential election activities, preferring to keep its focus on state -level and congressional elections.
VIRGINIA
The Virginia League does not participate in presidential elections through endorsements or contributions. And while we encourage credit union advocates to participate as volunteers for political campaigns of their choosing, we do not have a volunteer program in place for presidential races. We do, however, take into account the impact of presidential elections on congressional contests, specifically with regard to higher voter turnout during presidential election years. The "presidential coattails" effect would never be a deciding factor in our decision to support or endorse a Congressional candidate, but it would be one of many factors we would weigh in making such a decision, understanding that turnout might well affect election outcomes. Presidential election years often bring an increased awareness and interest in the political process; and we work to leverage that heightened awareness into greater grassroots advocacy on credit union issues.
WEST VIRGINIA
There is no change to our political strategy in a presidential election year. The West Virginia CU League does not get involved in endorsements or contributions to presidential candidates, but instead, we focus our efforts on raising money for CULAC. Throughout the year we engage candidates on the issues impacting credit unions and seek their support as needed.
WISCONSIN
The advocacy that the Wisconsin Credit Union League and credit union activists engage in for state-level and congressional candidates extends to presidential candidates, as well. While our league does not endorse candidates or solicit contributions for individual presidential candidates, we have taken opportunities to engage candidates and keep credit union issues on their radar when in the Badger State. Meeting candidates-at meet and greets, listening sessions or fundraisers-is an opportunity to ask for candidates' positions on issues and importantly, share the value credit unions provide members and Wisconsin communities. Our annual scorecard, at www.theleague.coop/Scorecard , can be used for candidates at every level to give a snapshot of the industry that credit unions can then build upon with their own stories of service. The relationships Wisconsin credit union activists have already built with legislators have become crucial as these legislators run for more influential roles, such as former vice-presidential candidate and current Speaker of the House Paul Ryan. All politics are local-keeping candidates connected to what credit unions are doing for their constituents and communities can build understanding and appreciation for the crucial and valued services the industry provides.
