Ga. Commissioner Oxendine Running For Governor

Long-serving Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine revealed yesterday that he is planning to run for governor of the state.

Mr. Oxendine said today he let news outlets know of his decision to end rumors he was preparing a campaign that began circulating after he held discussions with various individuals and began building a list of supporters.

The commissioner, who won election to his insurance position in 1994, would seek the Republican nomination for the post being vacated by fellow Republican Sonny Perdue, who has finished his two-term limit.

Mr. Oxendine said he felt his experience as insurance commissioner would serve him in good stead because most of his likely competition would be from legislators, while he has run "a significant agency" that has provided "hands on executive experience."

The likely opponents have legislative background and "no hands-on experience."

He said his not being a legislator would also be in his favor, given tension between state Senate and Assembly members. As a member of neither chamber, someone who could not be accused of bias is preferable, he said. Both chambers are controlled by Republicans.

Mr. Oxendine, a powerful fundraiser, said he cannot automatically convert the $90,000 left from his last run for the commissioner's post to a race for the governorship without getting permission from donors. He also is forbidden by law from accepting funds from insurers.

The commissioner told the Atlanta Constitution that he was irate over the Assembly's quick and quiet approval of legislation allowing insurers to raise auto rates without first securing state approval.

Mr. Oxendine said he has not filed paperwork yet for a campaign, but will do so "in the near future."