Election Watch 2008

Election Watch Wrap-Up

By now, all of the votes are counted (well most of them - there are a few recounts and contested races still out). Sen. Barack Obama (D) made history as the first African-American elected President, and Democrats increased their majorities substantially in both houses of Congress, although it appears they fell short in their bid for a filibuster-proof supermajority of 60 in the Senate.

Credit unions had a great day on Election Day as credit union allies won in key races around the country. Overall, candidates in 359 of the 435 House races received financial support from CULAC, and as of this writing 333 won, 21 lost, and four races are still not finalized. CULAC supported candidates in 32 of 35 Senate contests, and won 25 and lost four, with three races still undetermined.

Perhaps no race was watched closer by credit unions than that of credit union champion and CURIA author Rep. Paul Kanjorski (D- PA), who was facing the toughest challenge of his career. With the help of CUNA, the Pennsylvania Credit Union Association and local credit unions, the credit union movement provided over 70 volunteers to canvass and phone bank for Kanjorski. Five credit unions sent five rounds of direct mail extolling Kanjorski's support of credit unions to nearly 24,000 members.

So how did it all turn out? Despite public polling as late as the weekend before Election Day showing him down four points, Kanjorski prevailed 52 % to 48% over Hazelton, PA Mayor Lou Barletta (R).

Kanjorski's win was a highlight for credit unions, but by no means the only one. In Kansas' 2nd Congressional District, independent television and radio advertisements paid for by CULAC and efforts by Kansas credit unions replaced incumbent Rep. Nancy Boyda (D), who had openly opposed efforts to pass credit union regulatory relief, with longtime credit union advocate and State Treasurer Nancy Jenkins (R). Jenkins' win was one of only four seats nationally where Republicans ousted Democratic incumbents.

In Minnesota's Third District, the Minnesota Credit Union Network and Minnesota credit unions mobilized members on behalf of state Rep. Erik Paulsen (R) to victory over political newcomer Ashwin Madia (D) in an open seat. Credit unions there were particularly energized for Paulsen after Madia floated a policy proposal that included removal of credit unions' tax exemption. Credit union members made more than 500 calls and emails into Madia's campaign office in the first twenty-four hours after Madia's public statements on credit union taxation.

Elsewhere, both cosponsors of CURIA in the U.S. Senate up for reelection-Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA)- won easily in races that at various points of the campaign had been considered closely contested. Among the seven new Senators elected Tuesday is Rep. Mark Udall (D-CO), who has been a CURIA cosponsor and strong credit union supporter during his years in the U.S. House. As for the House, several freshmen Representatives who cosponsored CURIA in their initial terms won easily, including two (Reps. Chris Carney D-PA and Steve Kagen, D-WI) who were expected to have tight races.

Sadly, the Democratic tides in many areas of the country swept out a number of strong Republican credit union supporters, including Reps. Steve Chabot (R-OH), Rick Keller (R-FL), Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), Randy Kuhl (R-NY), Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO), Jon Porter (R-NV), and Tim Walberg (R-MI). Rep. Steve Pearce (R) lost his bid for the U.S. Senate in New Mexico. In Missouri's open Ninth District, a $200,000 independent expenditure effort by CULAC was not enough to help state Rep. Judy Baker (D) in her effort against banker Blaine Leutkemeyer (R), although she lost by only 8,000 votes in a heavily Republican district.

Still, credit unions around the country can be pleased with the overall results of Tuesday's historic election. Credit unions continued to flex their muscle as a potent political force, and the next Congress will provide many more opportunities for grassroots activism. Of course, for the political junkies out there, the 2010 midterm elections are only twenty-three and half months away.

A complete list of races involving credit union supported candidates for the U.S. House and Senate and results can be found here.

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