Insurance commissioner spots were up for grabs in five states onElection Day last week, with at least three going to Democrats,while voters also decided the fate of many state legislators whoplay key roles in shaping insurance policy.

As for the commissioner elections:

o In Delaware, Democrat Karen Weldin beat Republican John Bradywith 57.5 percent of the vote.

o North Carolina went to Democrat Wayne Goodwin, who garnered51.5 percent of the vote against Republican John Odom's 44.63percent, with Libertarian Mark McMains getting 3.79 percent.

Mr. Goodwin will succeed Jim Long, the longest-standingcommissioner at this time with a career that spanned 23 years. Mr.Long chose not to run for a seventh term.

o In Washington State, incumbent Democrat Mike Kreidler wonhandily with 60.98 percent of the vote against Republican JohnAdams.

o North Dakota's squeaker, between Republican incumbent AdamHamm and Jasper Schneider, a Democrat, went to Mr. Hamm with 50.3percent of the vote, compared with Mr. Schneider's 49.7 percent.Initially Mr. Schneider indicated he would seek a recount, but aspokesperson for Friends of Schneider said a decision had been madenot to take such action.

o Montana's face-off between Duane Grimes, Republican, andMonica Lindeen, Democrat, to replace State Auditor John Morrison,leaving office because of term limits, resulted in a win for Ms.Lindeen. She received 53 percent of the vote, compared to Mr.Grimes' 47 percent.

Meanwhile, 11 governors' seats were available lastweek–including six where the governor appoints the insurancecommissioner, only one of which ended with a change in parties:

o Indiana was won by Mitch Daniels, the Republican incumbent,with 61.7 percent of the vote.

o Missouri was won by Democrat Jay Nixon with 58.4 percent ofthe vote, who will replace Republican Gov. Matt Blunt, who did notseek a second term.

o New Hampshire was won by Democratic incumbent John Lynch with70 percent of the vote.

o Utah went to Republican incumbent Jon Huntsman, who won in alandslide with 78 percent of the vote.

o Vermont was won by Republican incumbent Jim Douglas with 54percent of the total.

o West Virginia went to Democratic incumbent Joe Manchin with 70percent of the vote.

Several members of the leadership team at the NationalConference of Insurance Legislators were also up forre-election:

o NCOIL's current president, State Rep. Brian Kennedy, D-R.I.,defeated Republican Nancy Richmond. Mr. Kennedy won 72.1 percent ofthe vote, while Ms. Richmond received 27.9 percent.

o NCOIL's president-elect, New York State Senator James Seward,a Republican, defeated Democratic hopeful Don Barber. Mr. Sewardreceived 68 percent of the vote, compared with Mr. Barber's 32percent.