WASHINGTON -- While today’s Supreme Court ruling lifted restrictions on corporate political spending on communications, the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) believes the ruling to have little or no impact on its most effective political action tools, such as “partisan communications” and independent expenditures – both of which the association expects to continue in the upcoming election cycle.

According to Richard Gose, CUNA Senior Vice President of Political Affairs, the court’s decision has everything to do with communications by corporations, but little or nothing to do with contributions made to political action committees such as the Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC), CUNA’s PAC.

And, Gose added, even those who are considering launching their own corporate political communications efforts should take heed: There is much to learn. For example, he noted that it remains unclear whether federal credit unions can spend money on independent political advertising.

“A word of caution is definitely in order for those who may be considering ‘do-it-yourself’ political communication because of this ruling,” said. “That is: Don’t try this at home – at least not until you’ve read and understand all of the instructions.”

Gose said CUNA’s initial analysis of the ruling indicated that federal law remains in force regarding direct contributions to candidates by corporations, and upholds disclosure requirements for groups that mount advertising campaigns for and against candidates.

However, the decision does allow corporate entities to use their profits and net earnings to support or oppose candidates through advertising independent of a candidate’s campaign.

But CUNA Vice President of Political Affairs Trey Hawkins pointed out that “partisan communications” remains the most effective tool for credit unions in supporting candidates of their choice. “Because of the unique relationship that credit unions have with their members, and the distinct advantage of being able to coordinate with the candidate in these efforts, CUNA will continue to emphasize this approach as the most cost-effective and valuable tool for supporting candidates of a credit union’s choice.”

Hawkins noted that credit unions have been successful in the past by pooling and focusing their resources, rather than acting alone and out of concert with one another. “CULAC, for example, has been very successful in using donations from CU members to finance independent expenditures in key races, something we plan to continue to do, at least through this election cycle.”