This is a prediction you can take to the credit union.

During the presidential campaign there are some phrases youwon't hear. “The government isn't spending enough money.” “Chinadoesn't own enough of U.S. assets.” And, “One of my top prioritiesis to raise the cap on credit union member business lending and tolet credit unions raise supplemental capital.”

But just because credit unions aren't on the tip of the tonguesof President Obama and his opponents doesn't mean that creditunions can't shape some of the discussion of economic issues.

University of Iowa Community Credit Union CEO Jeff Disterhoftsaid that when he lobbied President Obama to support raising thecap on member business loans during a town hall meeting last month,the leader of the free world's “nonverbal language indicated thathe wasn't aware of the issue.”

Credit unions will never be the 800-pound gorilla among interestgroups. There are many reasons for this, but the most significantfactor is that they just aren't big enough. This is an instancewhen size really does matter.

However, there are ways for credit unions to leverage theirstrength so they attain more clout than they have now.

They can start learning how to do it by going to the movies.

On Sept. 23, in theaters all over the country, “Moneyball” willopen. The film, based on Michael Lewis' critically acclaimed book,tells the story of how some small-market teams have been able tocompete with the Major League Baseball's biggest spenders.

Through the use of complicated analytical formulas and the wisehusbanding of financial resources, several small-market teams havebeen able to do better than expected. Lewis' book focuses onOakland General Manager Billy Beane, who is played in the movie byBrad Pitt.

Credit unions don't need to win the political equivalent of theWorld Series to make their legislative dreams come true. They justneed to step up their game and build on their recent efforts toincrease their political clout.

CUNA is already among the top 10 political action committeesbased on contributions, and it has used its money to curry favorwith rank and file members and key members of the congressionalleadership through both direct contributions and independentexpenditures. NAFCU has increased its visibility as well, albeit ona smaller scale.

Money certainly drives much of the political conversation andinfluences the outcome of policy debates. However, there is anotherequally significant source of clout: people power.

The banks have done an effective job of reminding lawmakers ofhow strong they are at the grassroots. Several credit unionexecutives and lobbyists have noted, with great frustration, thatwhen they talk to lawmakers about pending legislation one of theresponses is often, “I need to check with the community banks onthis issue.”

If credit unions want to compete more effectively in thepolitical arena, this week is an ideal time to start. As industryleaders descend on Washington, either to participate in one ofCUNA's Hike the Hill or NAFCU's Congressional Caucus, they shoulduse their meetings as a chance to refine their message.

The banks have successfully depicted credit unions as tax-exemptbanks that are intent on stealing their business while getting ahuge subsidy from Uncle Sam. Even former Senate Banking CommitteeChairman Christopher Dodd (D-Conn.), who has been friendly towardcredit union, expressed concern about the industry's “missioncreep.”

If credit unions focus on what makes them unique–memberownership, service to the underserved and better prices–and do itin a concise and engaging manner, they might have a better chanceof winning more legislative victories. CUNA and NAFCU alreadyregularly tell lawmakers how many credit unions and credit unionmembers they have in their states and districts.

If credit unions expand their contacts so that every lawmakercan't avoid hearing about what good things credit unions are doingfor their community, they may have better luck with Congress.

As crucial discussions about member business lending and thecredit union tax exemption lurk on the horizon, ramping up theindustry's political mojo has never been more important.