Would Electing All Insurance Commissioners Lead To Long-Term Commitment?

NU Online News Service, Oct. 4, 3:33 p.m. EDT

With the complexities involved in regulating insurance at the state level, National Underwriter Associate Editor Mark Ruquet said in a recent column that the regulatory system would be well served by "committed and knowledgeable leadership for the long term."

To achieve this, Mr. Ruquet recommended electing commissioners, rather than appointing them. Currently, he said, less than a quarter of regulators are elected. Among them is John W. Oxendine of Georgia, who was elected in 1994. "Maybe it's a stretch, but that would indicate when you want longevity, elected officials would provide it," Mr. Ruquet wrote.

Among his arguments, Mr. Ruquet said the work involved in raising money and running a campaign "most likely means a commitment to the office for more than a year or two."

He also put forth a suggestion to limit the influence of insurance carrier campaign dollars.

For more insight, read Mr. Ruquet's column, "Elected Commissioners May Be Best For All."