Mississippi Insurance Commissioner's Race Has Far-Reaching Implications

Policyholders of America Endorse Gary Anderson for Miss. Insurance Commissioner

“Illness and fatigue” plagued incumbent Insurance Commissioner, George Dale, who was unseated in the Democratic Primary on August 7. Voters were just plain “sick and tired” of Dale’s proinsurance industry positions and wanted a more consumer-friendly Commish.

Dale had held the position for 32 years but Hurricane Katrina proved too tough a test for the man who basically gave insurers permission to price gouge, deny, delay and lowball legitimate claims in Mississippi.

The State’s Democratic Party didn’t even want Dale to run as a Democrat. They felt the Republican ticket suited him better.

Gary Anderson, a Jackson, MS resident, won the Democratic Primary and will face Republican candidate and State Senator, Mike Chaney, in the November General election.

Anderson’s platform includes implementing several programs that will reduce skyrocketing premiums and give Mississippians a greater field of carriers from which to choose. He also will enforce “best practices” for claims handling. Anderson’s ethics reports filed with the state show he has honored his promise to refuse campaign contributions from insurance companies and/or their executives.

Chaney on the other hand promised to refuse contributions from insurance companies and their “suits” but his ethics report filings tell a different story. Moreover, his Senate voting record gives us a glimpse of what’s to come if he’s elected Insurance Commissioner and it’s not pretty.

Mississippi may be a preamble to future races in states impacted by severe weather. As such, POA feels the need to weigh in on this important race.

Mr. Anderson gets POA’s endorsement.

Read endorsement published in POA's October 2007 newsletter, The Policy Advocate.


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