Capitol Hill urged to support 'Little Guy' in '08

WASHINGTON (2/8/08)--Urging Capitol Hill pedestrians to "Look out for the Little Guy in '08," among other slogans, a group of credit union representatives reintroduced the Little Guy to congressional staffers during a "standout" here yesterday.

Click for slide show (CLICK TO VIEW SLIDESHOW) Throngs of people encounter credit union activists standing up for the "Little Guy" on Capitol Hill Thursday morning. (Photo provided by CUNA)

Waving signs and holding placards amid a colorful background of "Little Guy in '08" balloons, the 30 credit union representatives distributed about 3,000 buttons to passers-by. The buttons featured the Little Guy, the slogan "Little Guy in '08" and the Little Guy's website-- www.lookoutforthelittleguy.org.

Buttons were also distributed to nearly all offices of senators and representatives.

According to the Credit Union National Association's (CUNA) Patrick Keefe, the purpose of the event was three-fold to:

  • Direct congressional staffers and others to the "lookoutforthelittleguy.org" website,
  • Reintroduce them to the "Little Guy" in 2008; and
  • Remind them that credit unions serve the "Little Guy."

"Political campaigns use 'stand outs' to demonstrate support for a particular candidate or cause by gathering a group of supporters equipped with signs to distribute literature or buttons or other campaign paraphernalia," Keefe said.

"We felt congressional staff, in this historic political year when they are paying close attention to the elections, would be drawn to an election event look and feel when reintroducing the Little Guy for the year," he noted.

The credit union representatives positioned themselves at locations close to the commuter entry points on the House and Senate sides of Capitol Hill. Commuters were offered buttons while the credit union representatives waved the signs and placards and chanted the slogans.

Among the other slogans recited during the "standout":

  • "There's no debate, Little Guy in '08!"
  • "Show the Little Guy some big love in '08."
  • "Careful! Don't step on the Little Guy."
  • "You cannot deny the Little Guy!"
  • "How 'bout some big props for the Little Guy."

"Once again in 2008, we will be using alternative means that typified our campaign in '07 for sending the message that Congress should 'look out for the Little Guy,' by supporting credit unions and their issues," Keefe said. "Look for other events and activities in months to come."

Watch clips from yesterdays event by clicking on the video below.

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