CULAC's Large Contributions to GOP Nearly Double Dems

WASHINGTON-The bulk of the largest contributions to congressional candidates coming from the Credit Union Legislative Action Council of CUNA in March went to Republicans, the controlling party in Congress. Nebraska Republican Jeff Fortenberry received $8,000 from CULAC in March. Several Republican lawmakers-including Senator Jon Kyl (Ariz.), House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (Texas), Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (Texas), Senator Orrin Hatch (Utah), and House Financial Services Committee Member Steve LaTourette (Ohio)-received $5,000 contributions. Representatives Bob Beauprez of Colorado and Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia got $2,500 from CULAC to add to their coffers. On the Democratic side, CULAC gave $5,000 contributions to two leadership political action committees: PAC to the Future, associated with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), and the Blue Dog PAC, a group of moderate Democrats. Other Democrats receiving large contributions from CULAC include Congressman Ben Chandler (Ky.; $5,000); Congressman William Jefferson (La.; $5,000); and Senator Tim Johnson (S.D.; $2,500). CULAC received a total of $183,632.17 in contributions and disbursed $210,682.34 in March. It closed the month with $385,412.80 on hand.