Turning point: elections 2006: the outcome of November's U.S. elections should shape the course of insurance for years.From the corridors of Congress to state capitals, from the judiciary to the bureaucracy, the 2006 election holds rare potential to make a profound and lasting impact on the statutory and regulatory environment for insurers. Unprecedented scrutiny has fallen on how and where insurance is regulated. The winners of congressional, state legislative, gubernatorial, regulatory and judicial races will face decisions that could alter the landscape for insurers, agents, brokers and other participants in this critical sector of the U.S. economy. The questions are fundamental: Will insurance remain principally state regulated, or will the federal government dramatically expand its role? Will state regulators--if their primacy is affirmed--tighten their grip or give greater sway to market forces? Which way will the tide of tort reform flow? Voters' decisions on key state ballot questions also could have powerful effects in such areas as credit-based insurance scoring and the accountability of judges. What follows is a comprehensive look at the races At The Races is a British television channel, originally co-founded with Channel 4, but now owned by a partnership between British Sky Broadcasting, Arena Leisure PLC and 28 (out of the 59) UK racecourses. that will make Nov. 7 a late night for industry insiders. State Elections Alabama Office: Governor Candidate: Lucy Baxley Lucy Baxley (born December 21, 1937) served as the Lieutenant Governor of Alabama, from 2003 to 2007 and was the Democratic candidate for Governor in 2006. Though Alabama has had a female governor, Baxley is the first woman to hold the state's office of lieutenant governor. , Democrat Background: Baxley was elected state treasurer Noun 1. state treasurer - the treasurer for a state government financial officer, treasurer - an officer charged with receiving and disbursing funds in 1994, serving until 1998. In 2002, she was elected lieutenant governor lieutenant governor n. Abbr. Lt. Gov. 1. An elected official ranking just below the governor of a state in the United States. 2. The nonelective chief of government of a Canadian province. . Issues: Increasing the number of Alabamans who have health insurance; creating a state Military Bill of Rights, which would include a state death benefit to the survivors of soldiers who die in the line of duty In the Line of Duty may refer to:
Candidate: Bob Riley
Background: Since becoming governor in 2003, Riley has cut funding to non-state agencies and approved spending cuts of $500 million, turning the state's record $1 billion deficit into a record $750 million budget surplus. From 1996 to 2002, Riley represented the state's third district in Congress. Issues: Continue working to improve the economy by recruiting new businesses to the state and nurturing those already in place; step up the state's stance on illegal immigration "Illegal alien" and "Illegal aliens" redirect here. For other uses, see Illegal aliens (disambiguation). Illegal immigration refers to immigration across national borders in a way that violates the immigration laws of the destination country. ; continue to advocate for increased education funding. Alaska Office: Governor Candidate: Tony Knowles
Tony Knowles and Anthony Knowles may refer to:
Background: Knowles was Alaska's governor for two terms. He's seeking a third term due to pending issues facing the state, such as the negotiation of a gas pipeline agreement. Issues: Pipeline negotiations; dedicate a portion of the state budget surplus to fully fund K-12 education and to establish an education trust fund; the state's cruise ship tax initiative; campaign finance reform Campaign finance reform is the common term for the political effort in the United States to change the involvement of money in politics, primarily in political campaigns. . Candidate: Sarah Palin Sarah Louise Heath Palin (born February 11 1964 in Sandpoint, Idaho) is the current Governor of Alaska. She is the youngest governor in Alaskan history (forty-two years old upon taking office), as well as the first woman to hold the office in Alaska. , Republican Background: Former mayor of Wasilla; ran for lieutenant governor in 2002 Issues: Fight efforts to use Alaska's Permanent Fund without a vote of the people; foster the growth of small business and advocate for a gas pipeline that would benefit residents and businesses while reducing the state's energy costs. Arizona Office: Governor Candidate: Len Munsil Len Munsil is an Arizona Republican Party activist and was an unsuccessful candidate for Governor of Arizona in the Arizona gubernatorial election, 2006. He was defeated by incumbent Janet Napolitano in the general election on November 7, 2006. , Republican Background: Munsil is founding president and general counsel for the Center for Arizona Policy, one of the largest and most influential state-based groups in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. . He's been a licensed attorney for 17 years and was appointed by former Gov. Fife Symington to the Arizona Juvenile Justice Advisory Council. He has experience in all three branches of government. Issues: Securing the border and proposes to stop illegal immigration by building new fences and using radar technology to identify and deter attempts to cross before they happen. Also strong on limiting the size and scope of state government and lowering taxes. Candidate: Janet Napolitano Janet Napolitano (b. November 29, 1957) is the current governor of the U.S. state of Arizona, originally elected in 2002, and re-elected in 2006. She is Arizona's third female governor, and the first female to win re-election. , Democrat-Incumbent Background: Prior to her election in 2002, Napolitano served one term as Arizona attorney general The Arizona Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the state of Arizona, in the United States. It is an independent, constitutionally mandated office, elected by the people of the state to a four-year term. and four years as U.S. attorney for the district of Arizona. Issues: Strong public education system; a safe homeland; a secure border; sensible economic development; affordable and accessible health care, and a government that is run efficiently and responsibly. Arkansas Office: Governor Candidate: Mike Beebe Michael Dale Beebe (born December 28 1946) is the current Governor of Arkansas and a member of the Democratic Party. Background Beebe was born in Amagon, a small town in Jackson County, Arkansas. He was reared by his mother, a waitress, and never met his father. , Democrat Background: Elected to the state Senate in 1982, he worked for 20 years in that role, he says, to reach across party lines to achieve fiscal conservatism Fiscal conservatism is a political phrase term used in the United States to attack government spending and advocate instead lower spending and a lower federal debt; it may also include higher taxes in order to lower the debt. and went on to become the state's 51st attorney general. In his first two years in office, the Consumer Protection Division's enforcement efforts resulted in judgments and settlements totaling more than $13.5 million. Issues: Boosting jobs and economic development by aggressively recruiting industry to the state; expanding affordable health insurance options for small businesses; developing universal pre-kindergarten education. Candidate: Asa Hutchinson
Asa Hutchinson (born December 3, 1950) is a former U.S. Attorney for the Fort Smith-based Western District of Arkansas, U.S. , Republican Background: Hutchinson was born and raised in the state. His first appointment to public service came in 1982 when President Reagan picked him to serve as U.S. attorney for Western Arkansas Western Arkansas is a region of the U.S. state of Arkansas. It can be roughly defined by Crawford County in the northwest, Van Buren County in the northeast, Dallas County in the southeast, and Sevier County in the southwest. . He went on to serve Arkansas in Congress and in 2001 was named by President Bush to head the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was established in 1973 by President richard m. nixon as part of the Justice Department, thus uniting a number of federal drug agencies that had often worked at cross-purposes. . Following Sept. 11, 2001, Bush called upon Hutchinson to help create the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Noun 1. Department of Homeland Security - the federal department that administers all matters relating to homeland security Homeland Security executive department - a federal department in the executive branch of the government of the United States , for which he served as undersecretary. Issues: Creating more and better jobs, including embracing advances in technology and telecommunications to create higher-paying jobs; strengthening education; fighting illegal immigration and casino gambling. California Office: Insurance Commissioner Candidate: Cruz Bustamante, Democrat Background: Former State Assembly Speaker. Issues: Protect consumers from fraud and abuse; foster healthy environment where free market system can thrive; educate consumers about earthquake and other catastrophe insurance coverage. Candidate: Steve Poizner Stephen L. "Steve" Poizner (born January 4 1957) is a California businessman and Republican politician, who has been the elected State Insurance Commissioner of California since January 8 2007. , Republican Background: Former White House Fellow, who served as Director of Critical Infrastructure Protection Department of Defense (DOD) program to identify and protect assets critical to the Defense Transportation System. Loss of a critical asset would result in failure to support the mission of a combatant commander. in the National Security Council in the days following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Poizner ran for State Assembly. Issues: Increasing rate competition; fighting insurance fraud; will not accept contributions from the industry or its employees. Colorado Office: Governor Candidate: Bob Beauprez Robert L. "Bob" Beauprez (born September 22, 1948) is an American politician who was a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives, representing the 7th Congressional District of Colorado. , Republican Candidate: A third-generation Coloradan, Beauprez grew up on a dairy farm, married his high school sweetheart and became a successful banker after selling the family business. He is serving his second term as representative for Colorado's 7th Congressional District The 7th Congressional district of Colorado is located in central Colorado, encompassing much of the northern parts of the Denver-Aurora Metropolitan Area, including the cities of Lakewood, Arvada, and Aurora. It is represented in the current Congress by Democrat Ed Perlmutter. and served for two terms as the state's GOP chairman. Issues: Taxes/budget; illegal immigration; protecting marriage; education; the Second Amendment. Candidate: Bill Ritter Bill Ritter may refer to:
Background: Was a deputy district attorney in Denver before switching gears in 1987, when he and wife, Jeanne, went to Zambia, Africa, to expand nutrition centers. In 1990 worked as a federal prosecutor with the U.S. Attorney's Office. In May, 1992, returned to the DA's office. He was appointed Denver's district attorney in 1993, was elected to the post in 1994 and re-elected in 1996 and 2000. Issues: Children; education; health care; natural resources; jobs and economy; fiscal responsibility. Connecticut Office: Governor Candidate: John DeStefano
John DeStefano, American sculptor and painter. DeStefano worked in cast bronze, terra cotta and stone. , Democrat Background: DeStefano has been re-elected to the New Haven New Haven, city (1990 pop. 130,474), New Haven co., S Conn., a port of entry where the Quinnipiac and other small rivers enter Long Island Sound; inc. 1784. Firearms and ammunition, clocks and watches, tools, rubber and paper products, and textiles are among the many mayor's seat six times. Prior to his election, he served in city government as a deputy controller, chief administrative officer A chief administrative officer (CAO) is responsible for administrative management of private, public or governmental corporations. The CAO is one of the highest ranking members of an organization, managing daily operations and usually reporting directly to the chief executive and development administrator. Issues: Providing universal health care to each family in the state; placing an inflation-sensitive index on the minimum wage; streamlining homeland security Noun 1. Homeland Security - the federal department that administers all matters relating to homeland security Department of Homeland Security executive department - a federal department in the executive branch of the government of the United States issues in a state which is not defined by county lines. Candidate: Jodi Rell, Republican-incumbent Background: In 20 years of state government, Rell has served as a state House representative and was lieutenant governor for nine years. Issues: Economy, including job creation and job growth; education, with focus on early childhood learning; preserving Connecticut's unique quality of life. Florida Office: Chief Financial Officer Candidate: Tom Lee, Republican Candidate: Alex Sink Adelaide "Alex" Sink is Chief Financial Officer for the state of Florida. Elected in 2006, Sink is reponsible for managing Florida's tax revenue estimated at $74 billion. As a member of the four person Financial Services Commission, she oversees appointments in the fields of , Democrat Georgia Office: Insurance Commissioner Candidate: Guy Drexinger Guy Drexinger is a Democratic attorney running for Insurance Commissioner of Georgia. Drexinger recently released an unusual advertisement attacking his opponent, John Oxendine. , Democrat Background: Earned economics degree from University of Florida's College of Business Administration. At Georgia State University History Georgia State University was founded in 1913 as the Georgia School of Technology's "School of Commerce." The school focused on what was called "the new science of business. studied accounting and went on to earn a certified public accountant Certified Public Accountant (CPA) An accountant who has met certain standards, including experience, age, and licensing, and passed exams in a particular state. designation. In 1992 earned his law degree from Mercer University Mercer University is a private, coeducational, faith-based university with a Baptist heritage, located in the U.S. state of Georgia. Mercer is the only university of its size in the United States that offers programs in eleven diversified fields of study: liberal arts, and went on to open a solo practice solo practice Medical practice by a single physician–a solo practioner, usually understood to mean a nonspecialist. See Private practice; Cf Group practice. with a concentration on small business law. Issues: Cracking down on insurance fraud; allowing HMO HMO health maintenance organization. HMO n. A corporation that is financed by insurance premiums and has member physicians and professional staff who provide curative and preventive medicine within certain financial, policyholders to choose their own doctors; increasing penalties for uninsured motorists. Candidate: John Oxendine John Oxendine is the current Commissioner of Insurance of the U.S. state of Georgia. Oxendine, a Republican, was first elected in 1994 and reelected in 1998, 2002, and 2006. Biographical Information Oxendine is the son of Gwinnett Superior Court Judge James W. , Republican-Incumbent Background: Prior to taking this office, he was with the law firm of Oxendine and Associates. He also served as chairman of the State Personnel Board. Commissioner Oxendine received a law degree from the Walter F. George School of Law The Walter F. George School of Law, founded in 1873, is one of the oldest law schools in the United States. The School of Law is the second oldest of Mercer University's eleven colleges and schools. of Mercer University and a bachelor's degree from Mercer University. Issues: Lowering Georgia's premium tax; improving rural health care through telemedicine; creating more competition in the medical malpractice Improper, unskilled, or negligent treatment of a patient by a physician, dentist, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care professional. liability insurance market; fighting fake insurance. Hawaii Office: Governor At press time, there were 12 candidates running for the governor's office with a primary scheduled for Sept. 23. Idaho Office: Governor Candidate: Jerry Brady Jerry Michael Brady (born March 20, 1936 in Idaho Falls, Idaho) is an Idaho politician and owns a newspaper that is distributed in southeast Idaho. Brady ran twice for Governor of Idaho and despite owning and running one of the largest newspapers in Idaho he was defeated both , Democrat Background: Began his professional career as a legislative assistant in 1963 and founded several grass roots organizations in his career. After a stint in Washington, D.C., where he'd established a law practice, Brady returned to Idaho in the 1980s to take over his family's independent news and information companies. He was the 2002 Democratic candidate for governor of Idaho. Issues: Ending price gouging at the gasoline pumps; promoting preschool education; increasing the minimum wage to $7 an hour. Candidate: C.L. Otter, Republican Background: A three-term U.S. representative, Otter has served on various committees, including the House committees on energy and commerce, transportation and infrastructure, and government reform. In 2001, he stepped down from the office of lieutenant governor after serving four terms. Issues: Endangered Species Act The federal Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA) (16 U.S.C.A. §§ 1531 et seq.) was enacted to protect animal and plant species from extinction by preserving the ecosystems in which they survive and by providing programs for their conservation. ; fiscal responsibility; gun rights; prison overcrowding overcrowding overcrowding of animal accommodation. Many countries now publish codes of practice which define what the appropriate volumetric allowances should be for each species of animal when they are housed indoors. Breaches of these codes is overcrowding. . Illinois Office: Governor Candidate: Rod Blagojevich, Democrat-Incumbent Background: Before becoming governor, Rod served in the U.S. Congress, representing Illinois' 5th district, from 1997 to 2002. He served in the Illinois House of Representatives The Illinois House of Representatives is the lower house of the Illinois General Assembly, the state legislature of the U.S. state of Illinois. The body was created by the first Illinois Constitution adopted in 1818. from 1992 to 1996. Prior to running for office, Rod was a Cook County assistant state's attorney, prosecuting domestic abuse cases and felony weapons charges. As governor, he helped to usher in affordable health care for children and increased education spending by $2.3 billion. Issues: Creating new jobs in construction and manufacturing; advocating for the "Preschool for All" initiative; creating a $1,000 tax credit for every freshman and sophomore who attends a college or university in Illinois. Candidate: Judy Barr-Topinka, Republican Background: Served as state treasurer for 12 years; former state senator and representative. Issues: Tackling the state's pension problem; capital needs and growing health-care obligations. Iowa Office: Governor Candidate: Chet Culver, Democrat Background: Culver, at 33, was elected as Iowa's Secretary of State on Nov. 3, 1998, becoming the youngest person in the nation to earn the distinction. Culver began his four-year term on Jan. 1, 1999. Prior to his election, Secretary Culver worked for more than 10 years in public service in Iowa as an educator. Issues: To build on the state's traditional strengths in agriculture, manufacturing, and education and to create good jobs, with good benefits. Candidate: Jim Nussle, Republican Background: Nussle began public service as the Delaware County attorney in 1986. In 1991, he was sworn in as the youngest member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He's since been re-elected seven times. Issues: Education, jobs, making Iowa the "renewable energy capital of the world." Kansas Office: Insurance Commissioner Candidate: Sandy Praeger, Republican-Incumbent Background: At the National Association of Insurance Commissioners The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is an Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization which seeks to organize the regulatory and supervisory efforts of the various state insurance commissioners from around the United States. , Praeger serves on several key committees, including those concerning internal administration, health insurance and managed care, and life insurance and annuities. Served three terms in the Kansas Senate and one term in the Kansas House. Also served as mayor of Lawrence, Kan. Issues: Advocating for anti-fraud legislation; finding solutions to the rising cost of health care; working to bring balance to the insurance marketplace. Candidate: Bonnie Sharp, Democrat Background: Sharp is the ranking Democrat on the Kansas House of Representatives The Kansas House of Representatives is the lower house of the Kansas Legislature, the state legislature of the U.S. State of Kansas. It is composed of 125 Representatives from an equal amount of constituencies, each with at least a population of 19,000. Insurance Committee; elected to the House in 1996 and currently serving her fourth term. Issues: Vows not to take campaign contributions from insurance companies; advocating for industry fairness and transparency; focusing on preventive care to combat rising healthcare costs. Louisiana Office: Insurance Commissioner Candidate: James Cain, Republican Background: Cain is a former teacher and basketball coach whose foray into public service began in 1971 when he was elected to the Louisiana House. In 1991, he was elected to the state Senate representing District 30. Issues: Cain's "Five Point Insurance Plan" for the state includes creating the insurance inspector general's office to examine and investigate mismanagement mis·man·age tr.v. mis·man·aged, mis·man·ag·ing, mis·man·ag·es To manage badly or carelessly. mis·man  age·ment n. and fraud in the department. He
also would create the positions of complaint resolution officer and
insurance consumer protection advocate.
Candidate: Jim Donelon, Republican-Incumbent Background: Prior to becoming the Commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Insurance, Jim Donelon served the department in leadership positions as chief deputy commissioner and executive counsel. Issues: To preserve the competitive insurance marketplace in Louisiana; to preserve the hurricane-ravaged state's homeowners market, and to strengthen Louisiana's health insurance market. Maine Office: Governor Candidate: John Baldacci, Democrat-Incumbent Background: Baldacci served as a city councilman in Bangor and was elected to the Maine State Senate in 1982. He then represented the 2nd District of Maine The District of Maine was a legal designation for what is now the U.S. state of Maine from American independence until the Missouri Compromise on March 4, 1820, after which it gained its independence from Massachusetts and became the 23rd state in the Union. in the U.S. Congress before being elected governor in 2002. Issues: Building the economy by attracting more and better businesses into the state; addressing availability and affordability of home heating needs. Candidate: Chandler Woodcock woodcock: see snipe. woodcock Any of five species (family Scolopacidae) of plump, sharp-billed migratory birds of damp, dense woodlands in North America, Europe, and Asia. , Republican Background: Woodcock enlisted in the U.S. Army right out of high school to serve in Vietnam. His public service career began at the local level, and includes five years on the Board of Selectmen SELECTMEN. The name of certain officers in several of the United States, who are invested by the statutes of the several states with various powers. in Farmington. He is currently serving his third term in the Maine Senate. He served more than 25 years as a public high school teacher. Issues: Reduce taxes; improve economy by encouraging job creation; health-care reform. Maryland Office: Governor Candidate: Bob Ehrlich, Republican-Incumbent Background: Prior to his election in 2002, Ehrlich served as a member of the House of Delegates House of Delegates n. The lower house of the state legislature in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. from 1987 to 1995 and of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003. Issues: Education; environment; fiscal responsibility; transportation; jobs and economy. Candidate: Martin O'Malley, Democrat Background: O'Malley was an assistant state's attorney when, in 1991, he ran for a vacant Baltimore City Council The Baltimore City Council is the legislative branch that governs the City of Baltimore and its nearly 700,000 citizens. Baltimore has fourteen single-member City Council districts and representatives are elected for a four-year term. seat and won. Won the mayor's seat in 1999. Issues: Keeping energy prices low; ending the state's traffic gridlock Gridlock A government, business or institution's inability to function at a normal level due either to complex or conflicting procedures within the administrative framework or to impending change in the business. ; striving to achieve affordable health care for all Maryland residents. Massachusettes Office: Governor At press time, seven candidates were in the race for governor in Massachusetts. The race was set to narrow on Sept. 19, as three Democrats faced off in a primary election. Michigan Office: Governor Candidate: Richard DeVos Jr., Republican Background: DeVos is former owner and current governing board member of the National Basketball Association's Orlando Magic franchise; his wife, Betsy DeVos, is the former chairman of the Michigan Republican Party The Michigan Republican Party is the state affiliate of the national Republican Party in Michigan. It is sometimes referred to as MIGOP, which simply means Michigan Grand Old Party. ; member of various boards of business and nonprofit organizations. Issues: Jobs; health care; education; family values; environment. Candidate: Jennifer Granholm, Democrat-Incumbent Background: Granholm began her career as a clerk for the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals and in 1990 became a federal prosecutor in Detroit, maintaining a 98% conviction rate. In 1998 Granholm was elected as the state's first female attorney general. Issues: Growing Michigan's economy; maintaining the state's high quality of life. Minnesota Office: Governor Candidate: Mike Hatch, Democratic-Farmer-Labor Candidate: Tim Pawlenty, Republican-Incumbent Nebraska Office: Governor Candidate: David Hahn, Democrat Background: A fifth-generation Nebraskan, Hahn is the CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of New Digital Group, an Internet development company based in Lincoln. Issues: Hahn said he would use his experience in business and the law to promote a "forward-thinking" model for economic growth in the state. Candidate: Dave Heineman, Republican-Incumbent Background: Heineman was sworn in on Jan. 21, 2005, when Gov. Mike Johanns became the United States Secretary of Agriculture The United States Secretary of Agriculture is the head of the United States Department of Agriculture. The current acting secretary is Charles F. Conner after the resignation of Mike Johanns.[1] The department includes several organizations. . Prior to becoming governor, Heineman served more than three years as lieutenant governor. Issues: Heineman said he will keep focus on job creation, such as with the legislation he signed into law that he says will create 57,000 jobs over the next eight years. Would also seek to ease the tax burden on Nebraska's families and businesses. Nevada Office: Governor Candidate: Jim Gibbons, Republican-Incumbent Background: Gibbons Famous people named Gibbons include:
Issues: Strive for fair regulatory treatment of businesses including tightening tort laws, keep taxes low and maintain Nevada's health-care program that provides optional prescription drug prescription drug Prescription medication Pharmacology An FDA-approved drug which must, by federal law or regulation, be dispensed only pursuant to a prescription–eg, finished dose form and active ingredients subject to the provisos of the Federal Food, Drug, program for seniors. Candidate: Dina Titus, Democrat Background: Titus has taught American and Nevada government at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas “UNLV” redirects here. For other uses, see UNLV (disambiguation). The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) is a public, coeducational university located in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, known for its programs in History, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Hotel , for nearly 30 years. She was first elected to the state senate in 1988 and has served as Democratic Minority Leader since 1992. Issues: Protecting the environment; attracting new businesses to the state; bettering education, and putting ethics back into government. New Hampshire New Hampshire, one of the New England states of the NE United States. It is bordered by Massachusetts (S), Vermont, with the Connecticut R. forming the boundary (W), the Canadian province of Quebec (NW), and Maine and a short strip of the Atlantic Ocean (E). Office: Governor Candidate: Jim Coburn, Republican Candidate: John Lynch, Democrat-Incumbent New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of Office: Governor Candidate: John Faso, Republican Candidate: Eliot Spitzer, Democrat Ohio Office: Governor Candidate: Ken Blackwell, Republican Background: Former state treasurer; former Cincinnati mayor; former U.S. Ambassador. Issues: Creating jobs by controlling government spending and reducing the state's tax burden; keeping a rein on state spending; reform education system by making schools prove they spend at least 65% of their budgets on classroom instruction. Candidate: Ted Strickland, Democrat Background: A psychologist, former minister and former college professor, Strickland has served five years in the U.S. Congress following his election in 1992. Issues: Creating and keeping jobs in Ohio by investing in the state's strengths, such as energy production; increasing the number of people who have access to affordable health care and; strengthening the education system. Oklahoma Office: Insurance Commissioner Candidate: Bill Case, Republican Background: Involved in local politics since 1990; elected to the Oklahoma House in 1994. Issues: Consumer outreach; decreasing the cost of health care; increasing competition among insurers. Candidate: Kim Holland, Democrat-Incumbent Background: The second woman to serve as insurance commissioner for Oklahoma. Widely regarded as one of the top employee-benefits specialists in the state. Appointed by Gov. Brad Henry in January, 2005, replacing Carroll Fisher, who was convicted of embezzlement embezzlement, wrongful use, for one's own selfish ends, of the property of another when that property has been legally entrusted to one. Such an act was not larceny at common law because larceny was committed only when property was acquired by a "felonious taking," i. and perjury perjury (pûr`jərē), in criminal law, the act of willfully and knowingly stating a falsehood under oath or under affirmation in judicial or administrative proceedings. . Issues: Consumer education; fighting insurance fraud; and employee benefits. Oregon Office: Governor Candidate: Ted Kulongoski, Democrat-incumbent Background: With a law firm that became known as the state's largest labor-law practice, Kulongoski went on to serve in the Oregon House and Senate. He served as Oregon insurance commissioner from 1987 to 1991. In 1992, he was elected Oregon attorney general The Oregon Attorney General is a statutory office within the executive branch of the state of Oregon, and serves as the chief legal officer of the state, heading its Department of Justice with its six operating divisions. . In 1997 he was elected to serve as an associate justice to the state Supreme Court and served until 2001. Issues: Kulongoski says he would continue the trend of creating new jobs and attracting business to the state. He also would work to increase the state's financial commitment to education and work with all sides in navigating the complex debate over land use in the state. Candidate: Ron Saxton, Republican Background: Saxton is a former member and chairman of the Portland school board and founder of a foundation that has raised more than $30 million in private contributions to improve education in the state's largest school district. Saxton is the cofounder co·found tr.v. co·found·ed, co·found·ing, co·founds To establish or found in concert with another or others. co·found of a law firm where he specialized in complex business transactions involving the energy, manufacturing and natural resource industries. He also has owned a commercial cherry farm. Issues: Leading education reform; holding schools accountable for results and work to increase higher education funding; advocating for increased government accountability. Pennsylvania Office: Governor Candidate: Ed Rendell, Democrat-Incumbent Background: From 1992 through 1999, Rendell was mayor of Philadelphia, during which time he eliminated a $250 million deficit and generated budget surpluses. Rendell was the Philadelphia district attorney from 1978 through 1985. Issues: Strengthening the economy, including job growth; education and; property tax relief. Candidate: Lynn Swann, Republican Background: A former professional football player and sports broadcaster, Swann has used his celebrity status to raise funds for the Pittsburgh Ballet and to act as national spokesman for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America. He serves as chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is an American government organization that aims to "promote, encourage and motivate Americans of all ages to become physically active and participate in sports". . Issues: Swann says he would boost the economy by "ending regulatory abuse" and creating a tradable net operating loss operating loss The excess of operating expenses over revenue. As with operating income, operating losses exclude revenues and expenses from operations that are not considered a regular part of the business. Also called deficit. Compare operating income. initiative. He also would advocate for comprehensive tort reform and bring transparency to state government. Rhode Island Rhode Island, island, United States Rhode Island, island, 15 mi (24 km) long and 5 mi (8 km) wide, S R.I., at the entrance to Narragansett Bay. It is the largest island in the state, with steep cliffs and excellent beaches. Office: Governor Candidate: Don Carcieri, Republican-Incumbent Candidate: Charlie Fogarty, Democrat South Carolina South Carolina, state of the SE United States. It is bordered by North Carolina (N), the Atlantic Ocean (SE), and Georgia (SW). Facts and Figures Area, 31,055 sq mi (80,432 sq km). Pop. (2000) 4,012,012, a 15. Office: Governor Candidate: Tommy Moore, Democrat Background: Moore is the owner/founder of Boiler Efficiency Inc., a company that caters to the steam energy needs of small and medium-size businesses. He has served in the South Carolina Senate The South Carolina Senate is the upper house of the South Carolina General Assembly, the lower house being the South Carolina House of Representatives. It consists of 46 senators elected from single member districts for four-year terms at the same time as United States Presidential continuously since 1980. Issues: Supports the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness and its efforts to develop a long-term strategic plan for economic growth and progress. Candidate: Mark Sanford, Republican-Incumbent Background: Prior to becoming governor, Sanford served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Issues: Keeping South Carolina competitive; bringing fiscal responsibility to state government; promoting an "ownership society" and improving the state's quality of life. South Dakota Office: Governor Candidate: Jack Billion, Democrat Background: Billion practiced as a board certified board certified, adj the status of a dental specialist such as an orthodontist who has become a board diplomate by successfully completing the certification program of the recognized certification board in that area of practice. orthopedic surgeon from 1971 through 1997. He represented District 13 in the state House of Representatives from 1993 through 1996. Issues: Opening up access to health care by creating the State Healthcare Comprehensive Plan, patterned in part after the Maine State Healthcare Plan. Seeking to boost small business and to increase education funding. Candidate: Mike Rounds, RepubricanIncumbent Background: Out of corlege, Rounds landed a job at a small insurance agency. He later went on to become a partner at a larger firm, Fischer, Rounds & Associates Inc., which, today, employs more than 75 people. In 1990, Rounds was elected to the state Senate, where he served five terms. Issues: Balancing the state's budget and reducing the state's structural deficit. Tennessee Office: Governor Candidate: Phil Bredesen, Democrat-Incumbent Background: Bredesen was elected governor in 2002. While mayor of Nashville from 1991 to 1999, he oversaw $500 million in school construction and downtown redevelopment. Prior to taking public office, in 1980 Bredesen created HealthAmerica Corp., a Nashville-based health-care management company that eventually grew to more than 6,000 employees and traded on the New York Stock Exchange New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) World's largest marketplace for securities. The exchange began as an informal meeting of 24 men in 1792 on what is now Wall Street in New York City. . The company was sold in 1986. Issues: To continue working to provide affordable, portable health insurance to working Tennesseans; insure children and the uninsurable uninsurable Health insurance A high-risk person without health care coverage through private insurance who falls outside the parameters of risks of standard health underwriting practices. See Underwriting. and; crack down on civil and criminal fraud. Candidate: Jim Bryson, Republican Background: Founder of his own research consulting firm, Bryson served three terms as president of the Qualitative Research Qualitative research Traditional analysis of firm-specific prospects for future earnings. It may be based on data collected by the analysts, there is no formal quantitative framework used to generate projections. Consultant's Association and currently serves on the group's board. As chair of public policy for the Williamson County GOP, he authored the first county resolution opposing a state income tax. The measure spurred a grass-roots movement in 1999 that defeated the push for a state income tax and was used as a model by other Tennessee counties. Issues: Greater controls on illegal immigration; make health care accessible to the uninsured; ensure a greater high school graduation rate. Texas Office: Governor Candidate: Chris Bell, Democrat Background: Bell began his career in public service after being elected to the Houston City Council The Houston City Council is the a city council for the American city of Houston, Texas. There are fourteen members, nine elected from council districts and five at-large. The members of the council are elected every two years, in odd-numbered years. in 1997, where he served for five years. In 2002, Bell was elected to the United States Congress. Issues: Rebuilding public education; reducing barriers to higher education; protecting the environment and; fighting the Trans-Texas Corridor, which would carve a path between Nacogdoches and Angelina counties. Candidate: Rick Perry, Republican-Incumbent Background: Perry took over as governor in 2000, after George W. Bush became president of the United States The head of the Executive Branch, one of the three branches of the federal government. The U.S. Constitution sets relatively strict requirements about who may serve as president and for how long. . Perry retained the office when he was elected in 2002. Prior to being elected lieutenant governor in 1998, Perry served two terms as Texas commissioner of agriculture. From 1985 to 1991, Perry served in the Texas House of Representatives, representing a rural West Texas district. Issues: Border security; education; jobs and the economy. Vermont Office: Governor Candidate: Jim Douglas, Republican-incumbent Candidate: Scudder Parker, Democrat Washington, D.C. Office: Mayor Candidate: Adrian Fenty, Democrat Candidate: Dave Kranich, Republican Wisconsin Office: Governor Candidate: Jim Doyle, Democrat-Incumbent Candidate: Mark Green, Republican Wyoming Office: Governor Candidate: David Freudenthal, Democrat-Incumbent Background: Began his career as an economist for the Wyoming Department of Economic Planning and Development and later went on to become planning coordinator for the state. While working for the state, earned his law degree and then opened a law office in Cheyenne. In 1994, he was appointed U.S. attorney for Wyoming, a position he held until 2001. Issues: Preserving the state's wildlife and natural resource trust; protecting Wyoming's range; investing in intellectual jobs and; creating tougher sex offender laws Ask a Lawyer Question Country: United States of America State: Ohio CONCISE-WHY AS A HUMAN BEING DO I-AFTER I PLEAD IN 1999 TO SEXUAL ORIENTED FENDER-BEING GIVEN NEW PUNISHMENTS AFTER THAT DATE WITH LAWS,BEING DISCRIMINATED . Candidate: Ray Hunkins, Republican Background: Former U.S. Marine and former visiting instructor at the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy, Hunkins served as president of the University of Wyoming UW is a national research university prominent in the fields of environment and natural resource research, specializing in agriculture, energy, geology, and water resource related fields. Alumni Association. Issues: Preserving the quality of life in Wyoming; limiting the growth of state agencies and; working on creating a leaner, more efficient and effective state government. --Eleanor Barrett Ballot Issues on Tap A selection of insurance-related ballot issues that will be voted upon this year in five states: * California: Proposition 89 would impact how corporations could contribute to political campaigns. * Florida: Ballot question No. 3 would amend the state constitution to require a 60% voter majority, rather than a "simple majority," in determining the success of a proposed amendment or revision of the state constitution. * Montana: Constitutional Amendment No. 43 would change the name of the state auditor to the insurance commissioner. * Oregon: Measure 42 would prohibit insurance companies from using credit scores or creditworthiness Creditworthiness The condition in which the risk of default on a debt obligation by that entity is deemed low. Creditworthiness Eligibility of an individual or firm to borrow money. in calculating rates or premiums. * South Dakota: Constitutional Amendment E would allow citizens to sue judges and other judicial decision makers after exhausting the traditional appeals process. The proposed amendment would be retroactive and allow a 13-member grand jury of volunteers to subject coverage cancellation and the taking of as much as one-half of their retirement benefits. Source: Secretaries of state Web sites State Judicial Races Insurers are paying close attention to state Supreme Court elections across the United States, as the makeup of the courts often affects the business climate. Of the 16 states that have contestable races, five states will elect majorities of their Supreme Courts this year. Federal Elections Democrats must pick up 15 U.S. House seats and six U.S. Senate seats to gain control of each chamber in the Nov. 7 general election. For Republicans to earn a filibuster-proof 60-vote majority in the Senate, they would need to pick up five seats. All 435 members of the House are up for re-election. Of the 33 Senate seats up for election, 17 currently are held by Democrats, 14 are held by Republicans, and one is held by an Independent. Insurers and other industry participants are keeping an eye on how the elections impact developments in some of the following key committees: Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Chairman: Richard Shelby, R-Ala. Ranking Member: Paul Sarbanes, D-Md. Pending Legislation: The 110th Congress is likely to see extended debate of optional federal insurance charter legislation brought by members John Sununu, R-N R-N Raion (Russian, district; used in postal addresses) .H., and Tim Johnson, D-S.D. Reforms to the flood insurance program and a decision on when the federal terrorism backstop expires also fall squarely in the committee's lap. Outlook: Ranking member Sarbanes is retiring, leaving Johnson and Christopher Dodd--ranking members of the Financial Institutions and Securities and Investment subcommittees, respectively--as leading contenders to become the panel's top Democrat. Should control of the Senate change hands, this could prove a major boost to OFC OFC Office OFC Officer OFC Of Course OFC Oxygen Free Copper OFC Oceania Football Confederation (soccer) OFC Optical Fiber Cable OFC Optical Fiber Communications OFC Optical Fiber Conference supporters. Johnson is cosponsoring a comprehensive bill; Dodd has indicated support for a life-only OFC concept. Rick Santorum, R-Pa., Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Bob Menendez, D-N.J., are expected to face credible election challenges. Senate Finance Committee Chairman: Charles Grassley, R-Iowa Ranking Member: Max Baucus, D-Mont. Pending Legislation: Will continue to debate legislation related to issues such as the proposed U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement The U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement (also known as KORUS FTA) is a trade agreement between the United States and the Republic of Korea. Negotiations were announced on February 2, 2006 and were concluded on April 1, 2007. , Medicare prescription-drug plans, tax reform and the solvency of the Social Security Trust Fund. Outlook: The committee will lose Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., who is retiring, as is member Jim Jeffords of Vermont, the Senate's lone Independent. Republican Rick Santorum, who chairs the Social Security subcommittee and has sponsored a number of initiatives related to long-term care long-term care (LTC), n the provision of medical, social, and personal care services on a recurring or continuing basis to persons with chronic physical or mental disorders. , is expected to face a tight race in Pennsylvania. Proposals for direct negotiation of drug prices by Medicare, and to unwind recent changes in the tax treatment of dividends, estates and capital gains, could gain ground should Republicans lose the Senate. Senate Judiciary Committee The U.S. Senate established the Committee on the Judiciary on December 10, 1816, as one of the original 11 standing committees. It is also one of the most powerful committees in Congress; among its wide range of jurisdictions is investigation of federal judicial nominees and oversight of Chairman: Arlen Specter, R-Pa. Ranking Member: Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. Pending Legislation: Host committee for contentious measures on medical-malpractice caps, asbestos litigation An action brought in court to enforce a particular right. The act or process of bringing a lawsuit in and of itself; a judicial contest; any dispute. When a person begins a civil lawsuit, the person enters into a process called litigation. and lawsuit abuse reform. Specter recently has called for hearings to review the insurance industry's 60-year-old limited exemption from federal antitrust law antitrust law Any law restricting business practices that are considered unfair or monopolistic. Among U.S. laws, the best known is the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, which declared illegal “every contract, combination…or conspiracy in restraint of trade or . Outlook: Republican Mike DeWine, who chairs the antitrust subcommittee, is expected to face a tight race in Ohio, as is member Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., who chairs the homeland security subcommittee. A partisan change may not affect the proposed asbestos trust fund bill, which is cosponsored by both Specter and Leahy, but the committee again could prove a major political battleground should the next term see another Supreme Court vacancy. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee Chairman: Mike Enzi, R-Wyo. Ranking Member: Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass. Pending Legislation: Enzi has pledged to revisit his proposed reforms to the small-group health insurance market, which were filibustered earlier this year. Outlook: A Democratic takeover could boost Kennedy's plan to open Medicare to all uninsured Americans. Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.--a frequent sponsor of health-care legislation--is retiring, as is fellow member Jim Jeffords, I-Vt. Republican Mike DeWine, who chairs the key subcommittee on retirement security and aging, is expected to face a tough race against Rep. Sherrod Brown in the battleground "swing" state of Ohio. Fellow member John Ensign, R-Nev., also is expected to face a tough race against Jack Carter, son of former President Jimmy Carter. House Financial Services Committee Chairman: Michael Oxley, R-Ohio Ranking Member: Barney Frank, D-Mass. Pending Legislation: The SMART Act, which proposes a "standards-based" approach to insurance regulatory reform. Committee also may take up bills focusing on natural catastrophes; the use of travel in life insurance underwriting; and possible changes to the four-year-old Sarbanes-Oxley Act See SOX. . Paul Kanjorski, D-Pa., ranking member of the insurance subcommittee, plans to bring life-only optional federal charter legislation in the next session. Outlook: Chairman Oxley is retiring after 25 years in Congress, with Richard Baker, R-La., and Spencer Bachus, R-Ala.--chairmen of the subcommittees on insurance and financial institutions, respectively--seen as the most likely successors among Republicans. A change in partisan leadership could boost Frank's proposal to require greater disclosure of executive compensation to shareholders. Bob Ney, R-Ohio, chairman of the housing subcommittee, faces public questions about his ties to lobbyist Jack Abramoff. House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman: Joe Barton, R-Texas Ranking Member: John Dingell, D-Mich. Pending Legislation: Committee currently involved in jurisdictional dispute Conflicting claims made by two different labor unions to an employer regarding assignment of the work or union representation. Two basic types of controversies ordinarily arise in such disputes. with Financial Services Committee over data-security legislation. Member John Shadegg, R-Ariz., has proposed "regulatory federalism" to allow interstate sale of health insurance policies. Ed Whitfield, R-Ky., has led investigations subcommittee in probes of fraud in asbestos and silica litigation, and insurance practices of the horse racing industry. Outlook: Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, ranking member on the health subcommittee, is leaving to run for Mike DeWine's Senate seat. Change in partisan control of the House could return longtime insurance industry critic Dingell to the chairman's seat. In early 1990s, he led investigations of industry solvency and proposed removing antitrust exemption. House Ways and Means WAYS AND MEANS. In legislative assemblies there is usually appointed a committee whose duties are to inquire into, and propose to the house, the ways and means to be adopted to raise funds for the use of the government. This body is called the committee of ways and means. Committee Chairman: Bill Thomas, R-Calif. Ranking Member: Charles Rangel, D-N.Y. Pending Legislation: Nancy Johnson, R-Conn., and Earl Pomeroy, D-N.D., long have pushed for an above-the-line tax credit for purchasers of long-term-care insurance. Mark Foley, R-Fla., has proposed allowing insurers to amass tax-free reserves to protect against natural catastrophes or major terrorist events. Outlook: Chairman Thomas is retiring after more than 25 years in Congress, leaving Johnson and Clay Shaw, R-Fla., as leading candidates to succeed him. However, both Johnson and Shaw could face tough races as Republicans who represent Democratic-leaning districts. Pomeroy, a former state insurance commissioner, likewise has been targeted by GOP leadership as a Democrat representing a Republican-leaning district. Should Democrats take the House, the committee could look to unwind recent changes in the tax treatment of dividends, estates and capital gains. House Judiciary Committee Chairman: F. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis. Ranking Member: John Conyers, D-Mich. Pending Legislation: Lamar Smith, R-Texas, is sponsoring the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act, which would increase civil penalties for attorneys who bring suits deemed "frivolous." Chris Cannon, R-Utah, has proposed nationwide medical criteria for asbestos cases. Committee has successfully moved legislation in several recent sessions capping noneconomic damages in medical-malpractice cases, but all have failed to pass the Senate. Outlook: Under Republican control of the House, the committee has served as the primary originator of "tort reform" bills, including measures passed by Congress earlier this session addressing class-action jurisdiction and suits against producers of firearms and fast food. That tendency would be expected to change significantly should control of the House change hands. --R.J. Lehmann State Attorney General Races The insurance industry is keeping a close watch on elections for state attorneys general. During the past several years, some state attorneys general "have become much more activist in their approach," said Mark Racicot, a former Republican governor, and one-time state attorney general. It's "an unfortunate trend," Racicot, president of the American Insurance Association, said. Racicot said officials such as Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood have overstepped their duties. He singled out Hood, whose Hurricane Katrina-related lawsuit against insurers, was "one of the most recent and egregious examples of this approach." Hood's lawsuit calls for insurers to cover water damage from Katrina. It also claims that flood exclusions contradict Mississippi law, which mandates full coverage if the cause of damage is a covered loss--even if other, noncovered causes, such as floods, contributed to the damage. Most state attorneys general are popularly elected. Of the 43 elected attorneys general in the United States, 29 are on the ballot this year. The AIA's strongest endorsement in those races is in the Florida race, where former Rep. Bill McCollum, R-Fla., is expected to prevail in a four-way GOP primary to face off against the presumptive pre·sump·tive adj. 1. Providing a reasonable basis for belief or acceptance. 2. Founded on probability or presumption. pre·sump Democratic nominee, state Sen. Walter G. "Skip" Campbell, a noted trial lawyer, and a member of the state Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. The trade group also is urging the defeat of former California Gov. Jerry Brown, for that state's attorney general, quoting Brown as comparing himself to outgoing New York state Attorney General The New York State Attorney General is the chief legal officer of the State of New York. The office has been in existence in some form since 1626, under the Dutch colonial government of New York. Eliot Spitzer, who famously alleged "widespread corruption" across the entire insurance industry beginning in 2004 and wrested more than $3 billion in restitution and penalties from the industry. The trade group instead is urging the support of Republican state Sen. Chuck Poochigian, who authored an industry-friendly workers' compensation workers' compensation, payment by employers for some part of the cost of injuries, or in some cases of occupational diseases, received by employees in the course of their work. reform package. --Chris Grier
States with contestable races that are
electing majorities of their Supreme
Contestable races Courts this year
WA TX
OR KY
ID AL
ND GA
NE NC
MN
WI
MI
OH
AR
LA
Sources: justicestael.org, Partnership for Commonsense Justice
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