Oregon credit unions flex political muscle in 2000

BEAVERTON, Ore. - Credit unions learned a hard lesson about the political process three years ago and have been becoming increasingly more politically astute since. With Election 2000 five months away, they're poised to continue flexing their political muscle. Credit unions in the state remember well the death blow former House Republican Caucus Leader, Speaker Lynn Lundquist dealt the first credit union membership bill-S.B.391-in June 1997. In a meeting held immediately prior to the bill's only public hearing before the House Rules Committee, Lundquist decided not to deal with the bill during that legislative session. The bill had already passed the state Senate. A second Credit Union Field-Of-Membership Bill was passed in 1999 and signed into law by Gov. John Kitzhaber. "In the last three years, the credit union movement in Oregon has really matured in terms of its political savvy and influence," said Pamela Leavitt, vice president of legislative affairs for the Oregon Credit Union League. "Politicians are well aware of the issues important to credit unions and their members." The league's Political Action Committee (PAC) began the 2000 election cycle with over $240,000, one of the largest PACs in the state. Leavitt said the PAC spent almost $40,000 in this year's primary races and is continuing to support candidates supportive of CU issues.