WASHINGTON–Most of the political attention given by credit unions this week will be on primary races in states.
Although the Senate is back in session this week and the House returns next, there is little on the agenda of particular interest to credit unions. The agenda in Washington will also be affected by events related to the death of Sen. John McCain.
Both houses are working to wrap up the appropriations process before recessing for the fall elections. There will also likely be confirmation votes on several nominees, including Brett Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court and Kathy Kraninger to lead the BCFP.
There are now 70 days until the November mid-term general elections, and Florida, Arizona and Oklahoma are holding primaries or run-offs today. According to CUNA’s Trey Hawkins, the races in which credit unions have backed candidates include:
- Florida fifth congressional district: CUs are backing the incumbent, Rep. Al Lawson (D).
- Florida seventh congressional district: Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D) has been a “strong supporter” of credit unions and therefore has the backing of CULAC and the League of Southeastern CUs, said Hawkins.
- Florida ninth congressional district: Credit unions are backing the incumbent, Rep. Darren Soto (D).
- Florida 15th congressional district. In the race for a seat being vacated, and for which there are eight people seeking their party’s nomination, respectively, credit unions are supporting current state representative Ross Spano (R).
- In Oklahoma’s district one, where a seat is being vacated, credit unions are supporting businessman Kevin Hern (R).
Four more states will also be holding primaries in early September.