The American Bankers Association will run television ads in Montana and North Carolina in support of two congressional candidates in what reportedly is a first for the banking industry group.

ABA announced a new voter education campaign Wednesday in support of Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Rep. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) in their reelection bids. In both cases the group is partnering with state associations to air the ads.

"In this election year, ABA will support candidates in both parties like Rep. Budd who have demonstrated a commitment to commonsense regulation and pro-growth policies that will allow America's banks to do even more to support their customers and grow the economy," ABA CEO Rob Nichols said in a statement announcing the group's support for Budd. He issued a similar statement for Tester.

The ads mark the first time ABA has independently funded ads in support of political candidates, industry news site America Banker reported. An association spokesman did not disclose what the group would spend on ads in the upcoming midterm elections but said the figure was in the six figures. http://bit.ly/2r2Aj5l

Tester political ad

Budd political ad

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