DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa Caucus hoopla now has a connection to CUNA's “Little Guy” and even though it was unintentional the presidential candidate caravans and the hordes of press here are getting to see the animated character on a highway billboard appearing in downtown Des Moines.

“We're all excited about using the 'Little Guy' as part of a campaign aimed at Iowa legislators and designed to stress that credit unions identify with working men and women,” declared Pat Drennen, chairman of the Iowa Credit Union League which put up the billboard New Year's Day on I-235 as part of a ramped up advocacy campaign in 2008 incorporating the CUNA branding.

League officials said the billboard is just one element of a January-to-April media blitz incorporating radio, newspapers and direct mail timed to coincide with the start of the Iowa Legislature Jan.14.

Up to now, the “Little Guy” debuted a year ago has been used by CUNA to promote a “working people” credit union message on Capitol Hill with Iowa the first state league planning to adopt the humorous characters in its own advocacy/awareness efforts in any major way.

“We think it will resonate with our lawmakers and let me tell you we have already had print cutouts made for our four branch lobbies and which will go up in February,” said Drennen, who also is president/CEO of 1st Gateway CU of Comanche.