News Release
Contact: Public Relations Coordinator
(800) 342-9835, ext. 8130NY CU Association Endorses Candidates for Congress
(October 16- Albany, NY) –The Credit Union Association of New York’s board of directors voted to endorse three candidates running for “open” Congressional seats in the 2008 Election. The Association grants endorsements to pro-credit union candidates and encourages credit union leaders and members to support elections and “Get out the Vote” for the candidates of their choice.
In the 21st Congressional district (Capital), which will be vacated by retiring Rep. Mike McNulty (D), the Association endorses Paul Tonko (D). The New York 21st Congressional District is a strong Democratic district, reflected in the heavy competition for the Democratic Primary win in September. Tonko won in a crowded primary race and is now running against Republican candidate Jim Burhmaster.
Tonko is a former Assemblyman and was a credit union supporter in the Assembly. As Assemblyman, Tonko sponsored Association-drafted legislation to promote financial literacy in schools in 2005, and was a cosponsor of legislation to create a CDFI fund. In the Assembly, Tonko chaired the Energy Committee. He also received support from CUPAC.
For the 25th Congressional seat (Central), left open by retiring Rep. Jim Walsh (R), the Association backs Dan Maffei (D). Maffei is a former staffer to powerful House Ways and Means Chairman and New York Representative Charlie Rangel (D-Metro). The Association has received a candidate questionnaire from Maffei, and he shares his former employer’s support of credit unions. Maffei is running against Dale Sweetland (R), a businessman and the former Onondaga County Legislative Chair.
The 26th Congressional District will be left vacant by retiring Rep. Tom Reynolds. The Association endorses Chris Lee (R), who faces Democrat Alice Kryzan. The race for NY 26th Congressional seat made national news in September following a victory by Kryzan, who surprised pundits with her win over the two favored candidates as a relative unknown. Lee is a businessman and is endorsed by Rep. Reynolds.
“We are pleased to back these candidates, who have demonstrated support for credit unions and understand the value of offering New Yorkers a not-for-profit financial option,” said William J. Mellin, president and CEO of the Association. “We look forward to working with these candidates during the remaining days of their campaigns and after they take office.”
The Credit Union Association of New York has served as the trade association for the state’s credit unions for 91 years. It is the fifth largest league in the country. New York credit unions have assets of more than $40 billion and 4.2 million members. To learn more about the Association, visit www.cuany.org.
Credit Union Association of New York
P.O. Box 15118, Albany, New York 12212-5118 | 1021 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12205
800-342-9835 | Fax 518-437-8284
