Nuclear waste and excessive government spending are often considered net negatives. But both subjects helped CUNA win awards from the professional society of political consultants.

CUNA won third-place awards for direct mail pieces it sent on behalf of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Rep. Larry Kissell (D-N.C.) last year.

The ad supporting Reid asked “Do you think just anyone cold put the brakes on Yucca Mountain?” It is a reference to Reid's efforts to prevent the federal government from dumping nuclear waste in the Yucca Mountain area.

The ad helped Reid get re-elected in what was one of the country's tightest and most closely watched Senate races.

The ad for Kissell said that “When money's tight, we tighten our belts. Larry Kissell made sure Congress did the same.”

Kissell also won a tight re-election race.

The ad for Reid won third place in the category of best direct mail for an independent expenditure campaign.

The ad for Kissell won third place in the membership communications category.

The Pollie Awards are given by the American Association of Political Consultants.