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The Power of PAC Giving
By Jordan Kingdon
As this year’s election approaches, many of us are dreading the Why Should You Make PAC Fundraising a Priority?
hundreds of TV and radio political ads that will dominate the If we choose not to participate and support candidates who
airwaves. We will receive unwanted survey calls and mail pieces will work to benefit credit unions, our voices will be muted
from state political parties and local candidates attempting to by the giving and activism of others. If we stand behind
sway our vote to one side or the other. While campaign season these candidates, they will stand strong for us. Several other
can be draining at times, these unwanted items are a necessary financial trade groups continue to attack our tax status and
but effective method to get candidates elected. As such, restrict our ability to grow.
participation in the process is a vital part of ensuring our
industry has a strong and vibrant future. We continue to face historic challenges as many legislative
and regulatory leaders have enacted reforms that inadvertently
What Is at Stake in 2016? impact small institutions. Your investment in our state and
This year, 110 State House of Representatives’ seats are up for federal PACs is not only an investment in friendly candidates,
election. Additionally, each of Michigan’s 14 U.S. House of it is an investment in the future of our movement.
Representatives’ seats are up for election. Many of the candidates
will be strong supporters of credit unions while others may not Buy a Lapel Pin Today
understand the important role we play in your communities and Purchasing a 2016 lapel pin is how you can show your
the lives of our members. During this year’s election, the majority commitment to the future of the credit union movement.
of the State House is at risk for the Republicans. As candidates Visit www.mcul.org/elections-and-fundraising to purchase
seek election, it is critical that we support those in both parties your 2016 lapel pin.
who understand the CU difference.
Credit unions have the potential to display incredible
Our state and federal PACs are the political voice of credit involvement and support in the political arena. With your
union leaders and members across the state. Thousands of commitment, we can ensure our PACs will have the resources
individual donors—credit union employees, volunteers and necessary to get credit union supporters into office.
members—contribute every dollar we raise for our PACs. As
the result of collecting those funds, our state and federal PACs For more information, contact Jordan Kingdon, director of
are then able to support candidates who support credit unions. government affairs, at Jordan.Kingdon@mcul.org.
These candidates understand the important role we play in the
lives of Michigan’s 4.8 million credit union members.
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