WASHINGTON-Two top credit union lobbyists have made the grade on The Hill's 2006 list of top association lobbyists based on conversations with member of Congress, aids and lobbyists. CUNA President and CEO Dan Mica has made the list for the third year running. He "and his group are players on the Hill," the Capitol Hill newspaper read. "Any legislative move to upset the credit unions triggers an immediate reaction from CUNA members." Mica commented, "In my nearly 10 years of advocating credit unions, I have experienced a great deal, learned much, and had some successes. Among some things in which I take a measure of pride is exactly what The Hill refers to: Our ever-improving ability to motivate our great movement to voice its views, typically in the interests of their consumer members. And, being called `players on the Hill' isn't half bad, either." Additionally, when bank-turned-credit union lobbyist Dan Berger became NAFCU's senior vice president of governmental affairs "his clout grew exponentially." The paper said, "There is no greater compliment on K Street than being courted by your mortal enemies." Berger said he attributed his success to three things: "First, I've always been surrounded with smart aggressive colleagues. Second, I have been blessed with having bosses who allow me to be entrepreneurial and strategic in lobbying.And, third, I've had a couple of very strong mentors." This is also Berger's third time on the list. Also making the list were American Bankers Association chief Ed Yingling and, for interest group lobbyists, Consumer Federation of America's Travis Plunkett, among others. – [email protected]