TOPEKA, Kan. – With help from CUNA, the Kansas Credit Union League is hopeful its own political action program can help elect an incumbent Democratic congressman from Kansas City, Dennis Moore, who faces a tough race this November. "We're sending out fliers and reminding credit union members that Moore has been identified by CUNA as one of its CUNA `Champions,' " noted League President Marla Marsh. CUNA a month ago selected six key Congressmen across the country as deserving of national industry backing by CU employees and boards because of the lawmakers' supportive stance of CUs. Moore, a Shawnee Mission attorney running in the Third District, is facing Republican Adam Taff, a commercial airline pilot and also from Shawnee Mission, a Kansas City suburb. Taff has been the recipient of large donations from big moneyed interests both in Kansas and from out-of-state. Marsh said it is important that CUs get behind candidates like Moore " who understand credit unions and stand up for them", noting the importance of lobbying on critical legislative issues like bankruptcy reform. In a separate development underscoring CU political action in Kansas, Larry Damm, president/CEO of Cessna Credit Union of Wichita, said he has agreed to serve as campaign treasurer for state Rep. Joe McLeland (R-Wichita), an incumbent completing his first term who also is a director of Catholic Family Federal Credit Union of Wichita. "I think it's important that we in the industry build that personal relationship with our lawmakers because it brings a lot more credibility to our cause which is why I decided to get involved," said Damm. Lawmakers, he added, "appreciate your willingness to speak up and be heard." Damm, who grew up with McLeland in Great Bend, said he also served as treasurer for McLeland in a Wichita City Council campaign four years ago. [email protected]