Press
Credit unions launch independent effort for agular congressional bid
Communications will support California Democrat for 31st district
(May 6, 2014) — Credit unions have launched an independent effort to support the candidacy of Redlands, Calif., Mayor Pete Aguilar (D) for the state’s 31st congressional district.
The Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC) today filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to launch an “independent expenditure” (IE) in support of Aguilar’s candidacy. An IE is a paid communication directed to the general public advocating for the election or defeat of a candidate for federal office that must be conducted independently from, and not coordinated in any way with, the candidate being supported.
CULAC is the federal political action committee (PAC) of the Credit Union National Association (CUNA).
Aguilar is a former employee of Arrowhead Credit Union in Riverside, Calif., during which time he was an active participant and advocate for credit unions. Additionally, Aguilar was active in local underserved communities through credit union community outreach.
“Pete Aguilar worked at an Inland Empire credit union, and thus understands and appreciates the critical role credit unions play in the financial lives of the 170,000 credit union members in the 31st district,” said Trey Hawkins, CUNA VP of Political Affairs. “We’re proud to support Pete’s candidacy because we know his credit union background will prove a valuable asset in Congress as he fights for those working families.”
CULAC is spending $197,189.03 on direct mail and digital advertising, both in English and Spanish. CULAC had previously contributed $10,000 to Aguilar’s campaign, and he has strong support from the California Credit Union League and local credit unions.
California’s 31st congressional district is an open seat created by the announced retirement of incumbent Rep. Gary Miller (R) who will be stepping down at the end of his term. Under state rules, the top two vote-getters in a nonpartisan primary on June 3 move to the general election regardless of party.