Anderson for insurance commissioner

Editorial

For the first time since 1975, George Dale won't be on the ballot for state insurance commissioner.

Dale, the longest serving insurance commissioner in the nation, was defeated in the Democratic Party primary by Gary Anderson.

Anderson, 51, now faces Republican Mike Chaney in the Nov. 6 general election.

We believe Anderson is the right man for the job.

Anderson served as the state's chief financial officer before an unsuccessful campaign for Mississippi treasurer four years ago. We believe he can use his financial experience to bring needed change to the agency.

However, we are concerned that trial lawyer Dickie Scruggs, who has made millions suing the tobacco industry and is involved in litigation against insurance companies for their response to Hurricane Katrina victims, contributed at least $250,000 to Anderson's campaign.

Chaney, 63, has served in the Mississippi House and Senate, where he chaired the Senate Education Committee. Like Anderson, he is intelligent and brings some good ideas to the table.

But we believe Anderson will be more aggressive in dealing with the insurance companies that for too long have held much sway with the state agency that regulates it.


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