CUNA and NAFCU Take Different Tracks Over July 4 Recess

WASHINGTON – CUNA and NAFCU demonstrated different lobbying approaches over the Fourth of July district work period. “Members of Congress are pretty much packed during the Fourth of July recess,” NAFCU Director of Political Affairs Murray Chanow commented. “I don’t want to send members out there and all they get is a handshake and a `hi.’” NAFCU’s grassroots lobbying really turns up the juice during the August recess where lawmakers are back in their districts for four to five weeks, he explained. Then NAFCU follows up with visits in Washington, D.C. with their Congressional Caucus in September. Chanow said this strategy works well for them because “members of Congress realize that our members are serious about this.” However, NAFCU/PAC’s big fundraising push is this week during the golf tournament where Chanow said he hopes to bring in at least $20,000. The political action committee is also holding a fundraising event called “Last Man Standing” where they are raffling off a three-night stay in Canada and a few rounds of golf. NAFCU/PAC will also be selling its trademark PAC Pals teddy bears at a booth during its Annual Conference this week. CUNA representatives, on the other hand, were asked to set up meetings and attend events wherever they could. “The leagues asked them specifically to attend town hall meetings and work on setting up meetings,” Grassroots and Political Involvement Director Gretchen Drobnyk said. Regulatory relief was top of mind for these encounters; not only the original House bill provisions, but also business lending and Prompt Corrective Action reform. CUNA is also hosting about half a dozen Hike the Hills for the remainder of July and then about six to eight every week in September. Drobnyk said they are not encouraging visits to D.C. during the anticipated lame duck session after elections but at-home meetings are urged.