ACU Webinar Outlines Credit Union Stakes, Strategy In Midterm Elections
By CU Today Staff —
WASHINGTON--November’s election is a consequential one for credit unions, and America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Scott Simpson and Head of Political Affairs Trey Hawkins detailed credit unions’ role in a webinar for members Thursday.
“Elections are the headwaters of policy, and it’s absolutely important we elect champions, continue to defend those that already are champions, and that we use this moment to cultivate relationships, and build influence with policymakers,” Simpson said.
The midterm elections will determine if there’s a change in party control in the House, the Senate, or both, while President Donald Trump finishes the last two years of his second term. Hawkins outlined likely outcomes and credit union efforts in the elections so far and looking ahead.
“It makes it harder to get things done when you've got two sides that are bitterly divided on most issues, but it places a premium on bipartisan legislation, and the impact that movements like ours can do when we've got friends on both sides of the aisle,” Hawkins said. “That's why our focus in this election cycle is to elect credit union champions from both sides and to make sure the next Congress is one that is as pro-credit union as possible.”
America’s Credit Unions PAC and Leagues have seen a 96% success rate in primaries this cycle, with 303 credit union-supported candidates winning as of this week. A near-record number of open seats is the opportunity to support credit union champions on both sides of the aisle, Hawkins noted. There are 44 PAC-supported candidates in open seat races.
In the two months remaining until the November election, America’s Credit Unions is launching new advertisements in support of champions in tight races, hosting ‘get out the vote’ campaigns to engage credit union members, and more, along with ongoing outreach efforts.
That includes launching CreditUnionsVote.com earlier this year as a resource to help credit union members verify voter registration status, request an early or absentee ballot, and find polling locations.
Originally reported by CU Today.