ELKHART, Ind. — Congressman Chris Chocola (R-Ind.), who is in one of the most highly contested congressional races in the country, was on hand to help cut the ribbon on the newest branch for Bayer Federal Credit Union earlier this month. "He's come to a couple events for the credit union, including our headquarters grand opening," President and CEO Dallas Bergl, who has worked on Chocola's campaign since 2002, said. Chocola faces Democratic challenger Joe Donnelly for the seat in November. The race is expected to be one of the most heated this election year, according to pundits. Bergl explained that Chocola is a Republican in a district with 46% registered Democrats and a number of Independents, so it is "always a tough race." Chocola has served two, two-year terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. The ribbon cutting drew about 125 people, Bergl said, including a camera crew from CNN. The segment is expected to air over the Labor Day weekend.

Chocola is a member of the House Ways and Means Committee and has "made some nice comments on behalf of credit unions" during his service there, Bergl said. In addition to his support for the tax-exemption, he has also backed regulatory relief, increasing the member business lending cap, and, while he is not a co-sponsor, Bergl said he believes Chocola would vote for the Credit Union Regulatory Improvements Act (H.R. 2317) if it came to the House floor.