WASHINGTON -- In the lead up to the recess for the campaign season, Credit Union House on Capitol Hill was a hotbed of activity.
In the third quarter, 37 events were held at Credit Union House, which is close enough to the Capitol to see it from the third floor. "Mostly it's Hike the Hill briefings or appreciation receptions," Credit Union House Manager Jill Jarman explained. She added that 21 different leagues held 28 separate events at credit unions' permanent marker on Capitol Hill in September alone.
The Idaho Credit Union League hosted an appreciation breakfast for their members of Congress in September, all of who attended. Jarman noted, "It's kind of a big deal to get those states out west."
Instead of the traditional Hike the Hill, the Wisconsin league invited its members of Congress over to the Credit Union House. Senators Herb Kohl (D) and Russ Feingold (D) and Representatives Tammy Baldwin (D), Ron Kind (D), and Paul Ryan (R) as well as a staffer from David Obey's (D) office attended.
Back in July, the Michigan Credit Union League hosted a breakfast fundraiser at Credit Union House for Governor Jennifer Granholm's (D) re-election campaign. The event attracted approximately 100 attendees, including Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.) and Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Howard Dean, former Democratic presidential primary candidate.
Congressman John Campbell (R-Calif.) got creative and held a scotch tasting fundraiser--complete with bagpiper, while Maine Congressman Mike Michaud (D) hosts a lobster bake each year.
Credit Union House can handle seated dinners up to 96 and standing receptions up to 130 or groups as small as six. --scooke@cutimes.com
