SAN FRANSICO -- California and Nevada Credit Union League CEOBill Cheney stunned conference goers yesterday during the group'smorning general session, announcing its high-profile advocacycampaign budget will be slashed for 2009, from $6 million to $1million.

The league had sent a letter to members early last month,detailing plans to reduce the advocacy budget to $4 million.However, upon seeing third-quarter financials and receivingfeedback from struggling members, the leagues decided further cutswere needed, said Spokesman Henry Kertman.

Where will the cuts come? Practically everywhere, but consumeradvertising will take the biggest hit. The $1 million willprimarily be spent on grassroots advocacy, Kertman said, which hasbeen increasingly effective for the league, and less expensive.