The CUNA-backed candidate won a special congressional election in Nevada on Tuesday but the trade group's candidate in New York City didn't fare as well.

Former Nevada state legislator and GOP Chairman Sen. Mark Amodei, to whom CUNA's Credit Union Legislative Action Council gave $5,000, defeated State Treasurer Kate Marshall 57%-37% in Nevada's 2^nd Congressional District.

The district leans Republican and his victory was expected.

The Republicans won a come-from-behind victory in New York's 9^th District. Retired cable television executive Bob Turner defeated New York City Assemblyman David Weprin, to whom CULAC gave $5,000, 54% to 46%.

Democrats have a 3-to-1 registration advantage and President Obama won the district with 55% of the vote in 2010.

Both vacancies were triggered by sex scandals.

Amodei will take the seat formerly held by Rep. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) who was appointed to the U.S. Senate after the resignation of Sen. John Ensign (R-Nev.) whose family acknowledged giving money to the family of a woman with whom he had an extramarital affair.

The New York City vacancy came about when former Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) resigned after admitting to having sent sexually explicit text messages.