WASHINGTON — CUNA's Credit Union Legislative Action Council raised and distributed record amounts for political campaigns during the 2005-2006 election cycle.

CUNA's political action committee raised $3.75 million over the two years and contributed $2.97 million to candidates and committees, according to CUNA Senior Vice President of Political Affairs Richard Gose. "This is by far our best cycle ever and we look forward to an exciting presidential cycle in 2008. All indications are we are off to a good start," he commented. The Center for Responsive Politics reported that CULAC raised $3.48 million during the 2004 election cycle and $3.24 million in the 2002 cycle.

In December after the hoopla of the campaign season, CULAC gave out $42,222.58 to candidates. The PAC gave $5,000 each to Texas Democrats Ciro Rodriguez and Nick Lampson who had lost previous re-election bids largely due to the state's lopsided redistricting that was challenged in the courts. Both had been co-sponsors to the Credit Union Regulatory Improvements Act and returned to Congress this year. Additionally, CULAC contributed $5,000 to Congressman Mike Michaud (D-Maine) and Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) and freshman Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.).