CUNA Quick to Cultivate Relationships with New Members of Congress, and Catch Up with Old Friends During Lame Duck

WASHINGTON-CUNA is taking advantage of the lame duck session of Congress to cultivate relationships with new members of Congress and work on the ones they already have. CUNA staff members met with a number of new and returning members of Congress during an event for the New Democrat Network held at the home of Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.). Senator-elect Ken Salazar (D-Colo.), Senator-elect Barak Obama (D-Ill.), Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), Representative Jane Harman (D-Calif.), and Representative Ruben Hinojosa (D-Texas) were also in attendance. “Our valued membership in the New Democrat Network gives us greater exposure to the centrist wing of the Democratic Party and the ability to discuss issues of importance to credit unions in more intimate and meaningful settings,” Kohn said of the event. “This particular event was a way to welcome new members that we supported to Congress and assure them of our interest in continuing to work together.” Additionally, on Nov. 13, CUNA lobbyist Katie Herberger attended a reception at the home of House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) for Democratic House members. Among those attending were Representative Robert Matsui (Calif.), the outgoing head of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee; Representative Joe Crowley (N.Y.); Representative Brad Sherman (Calif.); Representative Mike Honda (Calif.); Representative Rick Larsen (Wash.); Representative Dave Obey (Wis.); and Representative-elect Allyson Schwartz (Pa.), whom CUNA supported. On Nov. 16, CUNA and Texas Credit Union League staff also attended a `meet and greet’ with Congressman-elect Henry Cuellar (D-Texas). Later in the week, CUNA Vice President of Political Affairs Richard Gose and Manager of Legislative Affairs Linda Gualtieri attended a Republican sponsored event. -