CURIA sponsor Kanjorski prevails in reelection bid

CUNA Senior Vice President of Political Affairs Richard Gose (right) discusses with Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D-Pa.) the elections during Gose's visit to Kanjorski's campaign in his district in Pennsylvania two weeks ago. Gose spoke to credit unions about Kanjorski, a long-time credit union champion. It was the third trip CUNA staff have made to the district during the campaign. (Photo provided by Penn. Credit Union Association)

WASHINGTON (11/5/08)--In one of the most closely watched races by credit unions, the efforts of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), Pennsylvania Credit Union Association (PCUA) and credit unions from around the country helped push credit union champion Paul Kanjorski's (D-Pa.) reelection bid over the finish line last night.

The 12-term congressman was in an extremely tight race against challenger Lou Barletta, the mayor of Hazleton, Pa. Kanjorski garnered 52% of voters in Pennsylvania's 11th Congressional District.

Kanjorski is a staunch supporter of credit union legislative initiatives in Washington. He was the original sponsor of the Credit Union Regulatory Improvements Act (CURIA, H.R. 1537), the Credit Union Membership Access Act (H.R. 1151) and the Credit Union, Bank and Thrift Regulatory Relief Act (CUBTRRA, H.R. 5519).

Kanjorski also chairs the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises.

Check News Now for further coverage of election results on races of key interest to credit unions.