WASHINGTON -- Economic commentary from Steve Forbes, editor-in-chief of Forbes magazine, and a political face-off between pundits Paul Begala and Tucker Carlson will be among the highlights of the Credit Union National Association’s 2009 Governmental Affairs Conference, to be held Feb. 22 – 26 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

The 2009 GAC also will again feature a special kickoff concert on Sunday evening, Feb. 22, presented by the CUNA Councils. Performing will be the Lt. Dan Band, formed by Chicago composer Kimo Williams and actor/musician Gary Sinise, star of the hit CBS TV show “CSI New York.”

“Lieutenant Dan” is the character Sinise portrayed in the 1994 blockbuster film, “Forrest Gump,” a role that won him an Oscar nomination. The band has completed six tours for the USO and performs regularly for troops around the world. Sinise is a passionate supporter of the troops and is the national spokesman for a project that would create an American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial.

Steve Forbes will offer economic outlook and commentary at a time when the nation continues to struggle through one of the worst financial crises in its history. The current issue of Forbes magazine—the nation’s leading business magazine—features his cover story, “How Capitalism Will Save Us.” As editor in chief, Steve Forbes also writes editorials for each issue of the magazine under the heading of “Fact and Comment.” He also attained national visibility in both 1996 and 2000 when he campaigned for the Republican nomination for President.

Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala will face off over current developments in national news, politics, and world issues. Carlson is a senior correspondent for MSNBC. where he hosted his own fast-paced political talk show. He joined MSNBC in February 2005 from CNN, where he was the youngest anchor in the history of that network and hosted CNN’s popular political debate program, Crossfire.

Paul Begala also appeared on Crossfire and is a CNN political analyst and former top aide to President Bill Clinton. He helped his friend John F. Kennedy, Jr., launch the political magazine George and was its Capital columnist. Begala is also the author of several New York Times best-selling books, including “Our Party, Our Country, Our Future,” co-written with James Carville.

CUNA’s Governmental Affairs Conference is the credit union movement’s premier national conference on Washington issues. The GAC brings together top policy makers from Congress, the Administration, the federal regulatory agencies and the Washington political establishment to provide the latest information on legislation and regulation that affects credit unions and their ability to serve their members.

The GAC also devotes an afternoon to Capitol Hill visits, when attendees meet with their members of Congress and staff to discuss the movement’s legislative agenda. With a new Congress and Administration fresh in office, a top priority of the 2009 GAC will be to ensure policy makers understand the credit union difference.

“In the aftermath of the housing and credit crises that has gripped our nation, we know policy makers will be giving close scrutiny to the regulatory scheme and structure that governs the financial sector,” explained CUNA President and CEO Dan Mica. “At such a critically important juncture, it is essential that we make our voices heard. The GAC—where we bring together thousands of credit union representatives—presents a unique opportunity to have a powerful and lasting impact.”

In its debut last year, the Washington Convention Center proved to be a grand venue for the Governmental Affairs Conference. The move to the Convention Center also reflects the progressive growth of the GAC, which last year attracted more than 5,000 credit union leaders from around the country, a new record.

More GAC general session keynote speakers will be announced in the weeks to come. Watch CUNA’s website, www.cuna.org. Click
GAC 2009 on the home page or enter GAC2009 in the search box.

Here is an overview of the 2009 GAC time frame and schedule:

• The Exhibit Hall Grand Opening & Dessert Reception is Sunday, Feb. 22 at 7:00 p.m., followed by the GAC Kickoff Concert at 8:30 p.m featuring Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band.
• Opening General Session is Monday, Feb. 23 at 9:30 a.m. The morning program will also feature CUNA’s Annual General Meeting at 11:00 a.m.
• Herb Wegner Memorial Awards Dinner is Monday, Feb. 22 (at the Grand Hyatt) at 6:00 p.m.
• A second General Session will be held Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 9:00 a.m., with concurrent breakout sessions in the afternoon beginning at 2:00 p.m. and again at 3:30 p.m.
• Late Night at the GAC is Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 9:00 p.m.
• A morning General Session will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 8:30 a.m. followed by Capitol Hill visits in the afternoon.
• The traditional Gala Reception/Dance will be Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 7 pm
• Closing General Session is Thursday morning, Feb. 26, at 9:00 a.m. Conference adjourns at 11:30 a.m.

(SPEAKER PHOTOS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST)