The leading figure in state regulation and the head of a major insurance industry trade group pushing for optional federal charters will meet face-to-face in a "Great Debate" over state versus federal regulation next month in Las Vegas, with a national Webcast rematch set for September.

The debates will pit Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger, who is president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, against American Insurance Association President Marc Racicot, former governor of Montana.

The live debate--to be held on Aug. 4, kicking off the National Insurance Industry Convention and Expo at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas--will be moderated by National Underwriter Editor In Chief Sam Friedman.

"If you cannot be in Las Vegas, the two will have a shorter, but no less lively debate for a national audience as the keynote event at NU's second annual Virtual Conference on Sept. 25," he added, noting that details on how to log on for the Web event will be released soon.

"This debate takes on added urgency, with Congress this fall considering whether to set up a federal Insurance Information Office as a first step in a transition to an optional federal charter," noted Mr. Friedman.

NAIC has offered conditional support to creation of an IIO, but opposes federal chartering. AIA has long called for an optional federal charter, although other associations in the industry are more skeptical, or even hostile to the charter idea.

For more information about the NIICE event, go to http://www.niicelasvegas.com/niice/.

Special Reports /

NAIC, AIA Presidents To Debate Federal Regs

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