The document discusses the importance of credit unions developing relationships with lawmakers through political donations and advocacy. It emphasizes growing credit union PACs like CULAC to demonstrate industry strength. The three legs of gaining influence are outlined as political donations, grassroots political activities, and ongoing legislative advocacy through frequent communication.

1. A Backstage Pass to
Capitol Hill

2. “I'm sorry that we have to have a Washington
presence. We thrived during our first 16 years
without any of this. I never made a political
visit to Washington and we had no people here.
It wasn't on our radar screen. We were just
making great software.”
Bill Gates, Creator of Microsoft
“If you’re not at the legislative
table…you’re on the menu.”
Dan Mica, former President/CEO CUNA

3. Keys to Being a VIP?
Understanding Lawmakers & Candidates
Relationship Building

4. The Mind of the Elected Official or
Candidate
• Want to make a difference / sense of public
service
• Votes!
• $ grows votes
• Grassroots support grows voter turnout
• Do you have primary attention or good
government?

5. Relationship Key to Success
What kind of relationship do you have?
I Love you! (In your corner)
I like you…you support me. (Supportive)
…and risk their wrath? No way! (Fear)
No love / no fear (Irrelevant)

6. 1st Leg of Stool…Credit Union PACs
NCULPAC Other League PACs
CULAC
Federal Candidates

7. Credit Union PACs Key to Backstage Pass
$ = Opportunity and Influence
$ = Strong & Viable PACs
$ = Demonstrates industry strength & support
$ = Bigger the PAC…Bigger the splash

8. T T

9. Political Fundraisers
Candidates & Political Parties
Early and often
PAC and personal
Always talk about credit unions

10. Political Giving
• In 2009-2010 Elections, Members of Congress
spent an average of $1.6 million
• Incumbent Senators spent an average of $9.1
million
• Costs continue to skyrocket: over $ 2 billion was
spent on the 2010 Congressional Elections
Source: www.opensecrets.org

11. How Does CULAC Compare?
$3,000,000
$2,500,000
$2,000,000
$1,500,000
$1,000,000
$500,000
$0
AC a c. p BA a se CU
ric sso ou rgo
CU L Ame A ti Gr IC Ch NA F l s Fa
s Ci an l
of ker org We
nk an M
Ba er.
B JP
Am
Contributions to Federal Candidates
2009-10 Election Cycle
Source: www.opensecrets.org

12. How Does CULAC Compare?
$9 million
$9,000,000
$8,000,000
$7,000,000
$6,000,000
$5,000,000
$4,000,000
$2.3 million
$3,000,000
$2,000,000 $0.52 million
$1,000,000
$0
CULAC All Other CU All Bank PACs
PACs
Contributions to Federal Candidates 2007-08
Source: www.opensecrets.org

13. Why Should I Contribute?
• You Believe in and Care About the Future of Credit Unions
• Credit Unions are effected by Washington
– Taxation
– Over Regulation
– Legislative solutions to industry challenges
• Banks want to eliminate credit unions and provide great
pressure on Capitol Hill
• Not only do you believe in your credit union, it provides
you with a job

14. How Much?
All contributions are welcomed and appreciated!!!
Recommend:
Executives: $250+
Directors: $100+
Management: $100+
All staff: $25+

15. How Can I Contribute?
• Payroll Deduction
• Small Increments
• All Staff Can Give

16. Nebraska Cap Club Stats
• In 2011 – NE CU’s raised $16,495
• In 2011 – CULAC raised $1.9 M
• In 2009-10 Election Cycle CULAC raised $3.5M
• Eleven (11) credit unions offer Payroll Deduction
– Average contribution via Payroll Deduction is $75
– Average contribution via lump sum is $36

17. Where Does $ Go?
• Contributions to NCULPAC/CULAC go directly to political
campaigns and/or to political activities.
– CULAC disbursed $2.8M to federal candidates ‘10
• CU’s are non-partisan in that we contribute to both sides of
the aisle.
– 56% to Democrats / 44% to Republicans in ‘10
• Political contributions help to provide clout and a seat at the
legislative table.
• Support our friends…oppose our foes.

18. 2012 Election
• 3 Nebraska Congressional seats
– 1st Congressional District: Jeff Fortenberry
– 2nd Congressional District: Lee Terry
– 3rd Congressional District: Adrian Smith
• Nebraska’s U.S. Senate Seat
• Presidential Election (CU PACs don’t traditionally get involved)

19. How Does CU PACs Get Involved?
• Direct contributions to candidates
• Independent expenditures
– Mailings, direct voter contacts, television, radio
ads
– No coordination with candidate or their campaign
• Partisan communications
– Mailings and direct member contacts.
– Coordinate with candidate and their campaign

20. 2nd Leg of Stool…Political Action
Campaign Activities
Campaign Committee
Door to Door
Early Voter Drives
Parades
Mail Drops
Phone Banks
72 Hour Activities – Get Out the Vote (GOTV)

21. Political Action Cont…
Grassroots Activation
Actively support your candidate
Newsletter Articles
Partisan Communications
Independent Expenditures
Signage
Hosting a phone bank / mail drop

22. Political Action Cont…
Strong Political Organizations ($ + Votes)
• Labor Unions
• Realtors
• Teachers
• Chambers of Commerce
• Financial Services
• Trial Attorneys

23. Political Action Cont…
Strong Political Organizations (Votes)
• Pro-Life
• Pro-Choice
• NRA
• NAACP
• AARP
• Religious Organizations (ie: Catholic Church)
• Tea Party

24. 3rd Leg of Stool…Legislative Advocacy
“Begin with the end in mind.”
Dr. Stephen R. Covey

25. Legislative Advocacy Cont…
Laying the Groundwork
Frequent contact with lawmaker
 At home, in DC, town hall mtgs., interest group events
Frequent contact with staff members
Staff are key to access & information
Staff turnover

26. CU Advocacy Events

27. CU Advocacy Tools

29. Legislative Advocacy Cont…
Be a source of good information
Be vigilant while also being respectful
Let them know what you want and follow up
Utilize your grassroots strength to garner
support
Utilize media to reach lawmakers, voters,
public
Invite lawmakers & candidates to cu events

30. $90,000.00
$80,000.00
$70,000.00
$60,000.00
$50,000.00
Contributions
$40,000.00
Disbursements
$30,000.00
$20,000.00
$10,000.00
$-
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

31. Amount Raised in PACs
$450,000.00
$400,000.00
$350,000.00
$300,000.00
$250,000.00
Organization A
$200,000.00
Organization B
$150,000.00
$100,000.00
$50,000.00
$-
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

32. 2012 Elections
U.S. Senate Race
Deb Fischer (R) v. Bob Kerrey (D)
Primary Election Results
Deb Fischer 41%, Jon Bruning 36%

33. Elections cont…
State Legislature (26 races with 9 open seats)
District 1: Watermeier v. Joy District 2: Lambert v. Kitner District 9: Howard v. Fish
District 11: Chambers v. Council District 19: Scheer v. Goodspasture
District 21: Haar v. Hilgers District 23: Johnson v. Barrett
District 29: Bolz v. Zimmerman District 31: Kowoloski v. Turco
District 33: Seiler v. Hughes District 43: Ravenscroft v. Davis
District 45: Carter v. Crawford District 49: Murante v. Wellenstein

34. Brandon M. Luetkenhaus
Governmental & Public Affairs Director
Nebraska Credit Union League
brandon@nebrcul.org
402-333-9331 ext. 202