So Far, CUNA, NAFCU Shy Away From PAC Contributions to Election Objectors

Credit union trade groups have resumed making campaign contributions to members of Congress, but so far, have given little money to Republicans who objected to the counting of the Electoral College votes on Jan. 6.

After pausing their contributions following the insurrection at the Capitol, CUNA officials contributed $267,000 in March, with none going to the House members and senators who objected to certifying the election for President Joe Biden.

NAFCU, which also stopped its contributions after the violence in the Capitol, contributed $46,500 to members of Congress. The trade group made one contribution to a member who voted against certifying the election, $1,000 to Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.), ranking Republican on the House Consumer Protection and Financial Institutions Subcommittee.

NAFCU also contributed $5,000 to the National Republican Congressional Committee, which supports House Republicans, including those members who objected to the Electoral College count.

Asked about its campaign contribution strategy, CUNA said its strategy always has centered around credit union issues.

“When the CULAC Board of Trustees decided to resume campaign contributions, it did so after listening intently to our donors and key stakeholders,” CUNA said in a statement. “Our members were clear that our electoral work advancing credit union priorities must continue, and we’ve worked with our League partners to do so.”

Carrie Hunt, NAFCU’s EVP of government affairs and general counsel, also said that the trade group takes a bipartisan approach and supports lawmakers that “champion” credit union issues.

“Earlier this year, we paused our contributions and held robust discussions in consultation with NAFCU’s PAC Committee and member contributors on future contributions,” she said. “We are actively engaged in advocacy and will continue to support policymakers that listen to our industry’s concerns.”

Other trade groups, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, paused their contributions as well. When the Chamber resumed giving to candidates, officials said they would not judge members based on their votes against certifying the election.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that objectors to the election results saw their PAC contributions decrease by 80% in the first quarter.

For instance, Luetkemeyer raised $334,650 during the first quarter of 2019 compared with $93,577 during the first quarter of this year, according to records on file with the Federal Election Commission.