CU support helps in latest elections

WASHINGTON (5/7/08)—Two new House members from Louisiana, one a Democrat, the other a Republican, who won their special elections contests over the weekend each had support from the Credit Union National Association (CUNA).

Newly elected Reps. Steve Scalise, a Metairie Republican, and Don Cazayoux, a New Roads Democrat, will be sworn in this week after winning special elections last Saturday.
Both new House members had strong backing from the Louisiana Credit Union League, and CULAC, the CUNA's political action committee (PAC). CULAC contributed $10,000 to Scalise's effort and $5,000 to Cazayoux's campaign.

While Scalise easily won his general election against Democrat Gilda Reed with 75% of the vote, CUNA Political Director Trey Hawkins said credit unions' support was crucial in an earlier competitive GOP primary in April.

Cazayoux's narrow victory, winning 49% - 46% over Republican Woody Jenkins, was the subject of broad national attention. The victory placed into the hands of Democrats a Louisiana seat that long has been held by the GOP. It was the second Democratic pickup of a Republican-held seat in recent months.

Hawkins said this week that, in both the Scalise and Cazayoux elections, credit unions' backing of the winners should help Louisiana's credit unions begin their relationships with the newest members of their delegation on a strong footing.

Both elections were prompted by vacancies in Louisiana's congressional delegation. Scalise is filling the First District seat vacated when Bobby Jindal was sworn in as Governor. Cazayoux will complete the term of Sixth District Rep. Richard Baker, who resigned earlier this year to take a job as CEO of a trade association in Washington.

courtesy of cuna.org