The League of Southeastern Credit Unions' Cooperative ImageCampaign said it will receive statewide and potentially nationalexposure Wednesday night when the league sponsors of a U.S.Senatorial debate between Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson and hisRepublican challenger, Rep. Connie Mack IV.

“This is a unique opportunity for credit unions and one thatwe've typically not seen before,” said LSCU President/CEO PatrickLa Pine. “The debate will air in every television market in thestate. Through our CooperativeImage Campaign, we already have a logo and website that promoteall of our credit unions. We think this is a great way to showcaseour credit unions.”

The league said it will be just one of four sponsors for theevent. Through the sponsorship agreement, credit unions in Floridawill be mentioned at the beginning of the broadcast and again atthe end. Additionally, a 30-second advertisement will run duringthe broadcast and a 4'x8' credit union banner will hang in thehall.

The credit union logo is also on the debate website andprominently displayed in newspaper ads promoting the event.

“With the attention this senatorial race and the debate aregenerating, we feel that promoting credit unions during thebroadcast makes sense. Our data from the Image Campaign this summershows that when people see ads promoting credit unions, they act onit. Our goal is to once again show credit unions are unique, localfinancial institutions,” said La Pine.

Nelson is one of 21 co-sponsors of S. 2231, the bill that would raise the memberbusiness lending cap to 27.5% of assets. A Sept. 25 poll byThe Washington Post reported Nelson holding a14-point lead over Mack, after the challenger polled neck-in-neck,and in some instances ahead, of Nelson during the summer.

The debate will be held on the Nova Southeastern Universitycampus in Davie, Fla.