Mica tells Post 2009 a busy, busy year

WASHINGTON (8/13/08)—In an Aug. 12 article in The Washington Post, Credit Union National Association (CUNA) President/CEO Dan Mica says 2009 is going to be a "very, very busy year" for lobbyists.

The article, called "In a Harsh Climate for Lobbyists, the Forecast Calls for...More Lobbyists," notes that both the Republican and the Democratic presidential candidates have had harsh words about lobbyist during their campaigning.

"But K Street's response is not to flee in fear. Instead, it's getting ready for one of its busiest periods ever," wrote reporter Jeffrey H. Birnbaum.

CUNA's Mica concurred: "It's going to be a very, very busy year; we might as well brace ourselves for it." The article noted that Mica, a former congressman from Florida, is asking CUNA's state affiliates to boost their budgets so they can bring more people to Washington to press for their causes.

"It doesn't matter which one is president--there is going to be a tremendous need for lobbying," Mica said.

The Post article explained that increased need as a result both of the attacks from the "presidential wannabes" and the likelihood that Congress will become even more Democratic. A more Democratic Congress, the article posited, means that many corporate interests will face "increased danger next year and will have to employ more of the people whose job is to protect them--lobbyists."

CUNA merited a second, separate mention in the piece on lobbying. CUNA shined in a section that was otherwise about the receptions and late-night parties and hospitality suites that will be sponsored by some organizations during the presidential nominating conventions.

"But not every lobbying event will be frivolous. Seeking positive publicity, the Credit Union National Association will give away a house at each convention to the family of a disabled military veteran," the Post piece reports.

courtesy of cuna.org