WASHINGTON-The Credit Union Legislative Action Council of CUNA provided beaucoup bucks to Democratic candidates and political action committees last month. CULAC contributed $5,000 each to the Blue Dog PAC, benefiting a group of self-proclaimed conservative Democrats, and The New Democrat Coalition PAC. Additionally, Democrats Ben Chandler (Ky.), Sam Farr (Calif.), John Lewis (Ga.), and Patrick Kennedy (R.I.) received $5,000 each. On the Republican side, Senator Mike DeWine (Ohio) received $5,000 for his re-election campaign and Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Mary Fallin, who is running for the fifth congressional district seat, also got $5,000. Congressman Ernest Istook (R), who currently occupies the seat, is running for governor. The Republican Opportunity Network PAC, so far in 2006, solely benefiting South Carolina state legislator Ralph Norman (R) running against incumbent John Spratt (D), also received $5,000 from CULAC. In all, CULAC made $132,490.12 in federal campaign contributions in February while receipts totaled $63,115.53. At the end of the month, CULAC had $436,844.82 on hand. -

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