SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – That high profile U.S. Senate race between the incumbent, Democrat Tim Johnson and his GOP challenger, John Thune, has plenty at stake for credit unions, according to the South Dakota Credit Union League. "Right now it's still neck and neck with the two of them spending most of their time bloodying each other up with negative ads," observed Donald Couch, League president who notes Johnson has been a long time "avid supporter" and is receiving financial backing from the industry. Johnson, a member of the Senate Banking Committee and who was a signer for H.R. 1151, consistently supports CU causes and "often addresses our annual meeting or sends a video message," said Couch. CUNA selected Johnson as one of its CUNA "Champions" deserving of financial support. The South Dakota League, said Couch, does not endorse candidates but financial support is being funneled to the Johnson campaign through CUNA's Credit Union Legislative Action Council. Thune, a former member of the U.S. House, has been the focus of intense White House attention as the GOP seeks to reclaim a majority in the Senate.