The race for Louisiana insurance commissioner heated up Friday with a state senator throwing his hat into the ring challenging the Hurricane Katrina performance of the incumbent.
State Sen. James David Cain, R-Dry Creek, announced his candidacy for the election set for Sept. 30.
"A combination of natural catastrophes and corruption has created an insurance crisis in Louisiana," Mr. Cain said in a statement. "We can't rebuild this state until we solve the insurance crisis."
Mr. Cain will face incumbent Commissioner James Donelon, who before he was deputy insurance commissioner represented Metairie in the state House of Representatives.
Mr. Donelon became commissioner last February upon the resignation of Robert Wooley.
Mr. Cain has made the following proposals:
o Create an Office of Inspector General to look into waste and inefficiency in the department.
o Create a Complaint Resolution Officer to be an independent mediator to resolve differences between the department and producers and carriers.
o A policyholder Consumer Advisory Board would meet quarterly and advise the Consumer Protection Advocate and commissioners on issues of importance to policyholders.
o An Insurance Fraud toll-free hotline would be widely promoted by public service announcements.
Tami Stanton, state affairs manager for the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, told the National Underwriter her organization was endorsing Mr. Donelon because of the effective job he has done coping with the aftermath of the hurricanes that ravaged the state last year.
Mr. Donelon did not respond to a request for comment, but an official in his office confirmed he has filed for election.
The special election will take place on Sept. 30.
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