Rick Metsger, a former Oregon state senator who has sponsored credit union legislation and once served on a credit union board, was nominated by President Barack Obama May 15 to serve on the NCUA Board.

If confirmed by the Senate, the Democrat Metsger would likely replace former Board Member Gigi Hyland, who left the NCUA Oct. 5, 2012, after serving more than a year past her term's expiration. The choice of a Democrat by Obama to replace Hyland is an odd one because the term would presumably be just four years. According to the NCUA's Website, each member serves a staggered six-year term, a restriction that dictates the shorter term to replace Hyland.

If Obama intends for Metsger to replace current board member Michael Fryzel, whose term expires Aug. 2, the president will eventually have to also appoint a Republican to join Metsger and current NCUA Board Chairman Debbie Matz, also a Democrat. No more than two board members can be from the same political party, according to the NCUA. However, nothing in the Federal Credit Union Act appears to prevent only two Democrats from serving on the board together if Fryzel's seat is left vacant.