CUs spread out across Denver for Democrats' event

DENVER (8/26/08)--The Credit Union National Association's (CUNA) Homes for Our Troops video played throughout convention hall and on national television last night after credit union representatives fanned out to engage lawmakers and political leaders during the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

The video was shown on the convention floor shortly before U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass) addressed the assembly. C-SPAN TV aired the video in its entirety.

During the day, CUNA sponsored the National Journals' Daily Briefing, VIP convention viewing reception, as well as a Homes for Our Troops reception.

During the morning's Daily Briefing, journalist Ron Brownstein hosted a discussion with panelists:

  • Andy Stern, president, SEIU;
  • Will Marshall, president, Progressive Policy Institute; Founder, NDN;
  • Ellen Malcolm, President, EMILY's List; and
  • Eli Pariser, executive director, MoveOn.org.

Click for slide show U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), left, and CUNA Director of Federal Legislative Affairs Michele Johnson during an event Sunday at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Wasserman Schultz is a member of the House Judiciary Committee and earlier this summer aligned with credit unions to oppose a bill that would give merchants an antitrust exemption to negotiate interchange fees. (Photo provided by Patrick Collins)

Pollster Stan Greenberg also appeared on Monday's Daily Briefing to unveil results of a new survey from the Democracy Corps called "Back to Macomb." The study follows the 24-year voting preferences of people living in Macomb County, Mich.

While it was the convention's first day, CUNA Legislative Affairs Vice President Ryan Donovan, who attended the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston, said so far this year's convention has a "much different feel to it."

Donovan attributed the difference to they cities' varied geographic layouts.

CUNA Political Director Trey Hawkins said both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions are "an excellent opportunity for credit union to be in front and center of a very concentrated collection of lawmakers and political leaders at the same time."

The four-day convention happens Monday through Thursday. CUNA, the state credit union leagues, and other credit union representatives also will participate in the Republican National Convention happening next week in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minn.

CUNA and credit unions have been involved in these national events since 1988.

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Homes for Our Troops
Watch the Homes for Our Troops video
CUs at National Party Conventions '08


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