The Dems took the House by 27, as of press time according to The Washington Post, when they only needed 15 for control. Anti-credit union tax Ways & Means Committee Members J.D. Hayworth (R-Ariz.) and Melissa Hart (R-Pa.) were defeated in the battle. Max Burns (R-Ga.), whom CULAC supported, was defeated two years ago by current incumbent John Barrow (D); Burns and Barrow were neck-and-neck at deadline. Former CURIA co-sponsor Nick Lampson (D-Texas) has won back the seat he held prior to his defeat in 2004, which was open this election. CULAC, which contributed nearly $3.7 million to federal candidates, was involved in 381 of the 436 House races. The candidates CULAC gave to, won 91% of those elections called at press time, according to CUNA Political Director Trey Hawkins, who added that those figures could go up as more winners were determined. In addition, there were 32 open House seats in which CULAC supported candidates in 28 of them. Of these 28, 24 won, only three lost, and one race was still undecided.

Gose also pointed out that CULAC had given to all 33 Senate seats up for election with 25 wins, 8 losses.

"The war in Iraq combined with the 'Foley Effect' likely created a Republican fatigue across most of the electorate," NAFCU Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Dan Berger observed. "And not only did the fatigue motivate Democrats and Independents but it also seemed to have dulled the enthusiasm of Republican voters." He added that it was disappointing to lose a number of credit union friends, but hoped the industry would create new supporters.

"Luckily, credit unions have such strong supporters for our issues in both parties that the credit union community will likely be just fine," Berger commented. "NAFCU has always successfully lobbied both sides of the aisle with our credit unions' bipartisan grassroots efforts and our bipartisan team of lobbyists."

CUNA Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs John Magill said, "I don't think it's going to affect [lobbying strategy] at all." He pointed out that CUNA is pretty evenly staffed with Republican and Democratic lobbyists. He did say there would be a lot of educating to do with the new members of Congress.

Hawkins pointed out where political contributions are concerned, the only top 20 PAC giving more bipartisan than CUNA is the realtors. NAFCU/PAC is split pretty much the same way.

Overall leadership and committee leadership determinations are still a little ways off, Magill said, calling the current state of Congress "contained chaos." He did say the change of party control would likely lead to a shorter lame duck session. [email protected]