Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Thursday, October 16
Oct 16, 2008
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Note: The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America has created a new, weekly feature entitled “Decision 2008,” which is designed to provide news and information about key political races that could affect the insurance industry. For your convenience, Capitol to Courthouse News will reprint the entire “Decision 2008” newsletter below.
Florida Regulator Orders Further Reduction in Workers’ Comp Rates
Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty disapproved a worker’s compensation rate filing that the National Council on Compensation Insurance submitted on Aug. 27.
Davie delays decision on accident fee
To avoid layoffs, the town is counting on $700,000 in fees from a controversial plan that would bill drivers who cause accidents.
Citizens Insurance change could hike costs
A Citizens windstorm policy change is confusing for homeowners. Agents are left to explain the process and reasons for the change, which could result in price hikes for some clients.
An administrative change is forcing homeowners with windstorm policies from Florida’s state-run insurer to reapply for coverage starting in February, but the switch is causing confusion for many and could raise costs for some.
Homeowners covered by Citizens Property Insurance will need to reapply for coverage when their windstorm policies renew after Feb. 1. The insurer is switching to a new computer system for underwriting and administering its policies. It’s also fine-tuning the policy for specific risks such as residential homes or condo units.
Florida Agents Group Hosting Agency Perpetuation Clinics
With one session down and two to go, the Florida Association of Insurance Agents is hosting a series of perpetuation clinics throughout Florida to aid agency owners in grappling with issues associated with agency continuation.
Mortgage fraud investigations put Florida in the cross hairs
Federal prosecutors and investigators, under pressure to scrutinize possible mortgage fraud by financial companies, have opened 151 criminal cases since last October, most of them in southern Florida, according to a new study of government data.
Outlook bleak for Florida budget
Dire economic circumstances call for severe responses, a fact reflected in contingency plans drawn up by state agencies as Gov. Charlie Crist begins his budget-building process.
Crist asks state agencies to cut by 10 percent
As Gov. Charlie Crist begins working on the state’s spending plan, he’s asking agencies to include 10 percent cuts in their budget proposals.
Gov. Crist: False voter registrations not big problem in Florida
Gov. Charlie Crist said he doesn’t believe false voter registrations are a serious problem in Florida. And the ACORN group said it is being set up.
Breaking with the talking points of his fellow Republicans in Washington, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist said he does not think voter fraud and the vote-registration group ACORN are a major problem in the Sunshine State.
Former reporter challenges state House incumbent
Republican state Rep. Pat Patterson pegs his re-election bid on his record as a lawmaker and his accessibility to the people he represents in House District 26.
Mario Diaz-Balart, Joe Garcia face off over healthcare, bailout
Though only 30 minutes long, CBS4’s congressional debate between candidates Mario Diaz-Balart and Joe Garcia — broadcast on Wednesday night — touched on a wide range of topics, including the federal bailout package, healthcare and Cuba.
Fireworks at Jennings-Buchanan debate
Democratic challenger Christine Jennings continued to strongly criticize Republican Congressman Vern Buchanan in a tense Congressional District 13 debate Wednesday that became so heated the moderator at one point called on security.
Benson, Bentley, Fitzgerald discuss how to attract jobs
Three candidates running for office in the Nov. 4 election Wednesday appeared at a roundtable discussion sponsored by a manufacturers’ organization, which grilled them about how best to encourage manufacturing firms and attract accompanying high-wage jobs in Sarasota and Manatee counties.
Candidate Adam Fetterman: An alternative to Michael DiTerlizzi for House District 81
For the last eight years, Martin County Commissioner Michael DiTerlizzi has left behind a path of empty promises and broken dreams. In the wake of skyrocketing property taxes, the highest gasoline taxes allowed by law and development run rampant, he is simply a step backward for our community.
Wexler hopes to fend off two challengers for District 19 seat
After 12 years in Congress, U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler hasn’t had an election fight like the current one.
State panel weighs costs against gains of green proposals
Gov. Charlie Crist has made a top priority of combating global warming.
Louisiana High Court Rejects Insurance Liquidation Case
A long-running case dating back to numerous insurance company collapses in Louisiana during the 1990s has been thrown out by the Louisiana Supreme Court.
Ohio Supreme Court: Asbestos Law Can Apply Retroactively
The Ohio Supreme Court, in a move that drew praise from insurance interests, ruled 6-1 today that a 2004 state law, requiring plaintiffs to submit medical proof of injury from asbestos before their cases are heard, can be applied retroactively.
PCI’s Decision 2008
PCI Legislative Planning Conference Highlights Politics and Elections
With the November Election less than a month away, PCI brought together a high caliber group to discuss “Elections and Politics” at the Legislative Planning Conference Monday.
The panel was moderated by Bernadette Budde, senior vice president of BIPAC and included Jaxon White, president and CEO of MedMarc Mutual Insurance Company and Medmarc Casualty Insurance Company, Joe Digiovanni, vice president – public affairs for Liberty Mutual Group, and Bruce Kelley, president and CEO of EMC Insurance Group, Inc.
John Lobert, senior vice president, state government relations for PCI, introduced the panel and provided a snapshot of some of the most important contests in the states. Read More…
Former Counselor to the President Speaks at PCI Legislative Planning Conference
Turning the old axiom all politics is local on its head, Dan Bartlett, former counselor to President George W. Bush and White House Communications Director, told PCI members at the Legislative Planning Conference in Chicago Monday that in a world of instant global communications, “all politics is national.” Read More…
PCI Identifies Battleground States for Party Control of State Legislatures
At the Legislative Planning Conference PCI identified its top legislative battleground states for the November Elections. These states present the highest probability for a shift in political party control this November. Read More…
Obama and McCain Square Off in Final Debate
The third and final presidential debate, moderated by veteran journalist Bob Schieffer at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY, will focus on the issue that matters most to voters – the economy. McCain as the candidate trailing in the polls has the most to gain from the event and will be seeking to change the dynamic of the race. However, traditionally that has been a tall order. The discussions during the debates this year have been marked by the candidates’ insistence on ignoring the questions asked and sticking very close to the scripted talking points. But in this tight battle, Americans have been tuning in to watch. According to Nielsen, 52.4 million people viewed the first debate, the audience soared to over 70 million to see Palin and Biden face off and 63.2 million people watched as McCain and Obama meet last week. We are expecting big numbers for “McCain and Obama III: The Final Encounter.”
Quick Takes on the States
PCI examines the political landscape in Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Read More…
This Just in… 54% of Americans Pay Attention to Political Ads, 64% Rate Most Ads Negative
While Barack Obama spent $21 million on television advertising in the first week of October alone, just over half of U.S. voters (54%) say they pay at least somewhat close attention to political ads, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Read More…
News Around the Country
Associated Press WorldStream – McCain to offer new economic plan
10/14/2008 08:11:01 AM EDT
The Star Tribune (Minneapolis) – Obama’s candidacy galvanizes black community, and many say it’s about the message
10/14/2008 08:05:56 AM EDT
Associated Press WorldStream – McCain vows comeback in US election campaign
10/14/2008 05:56:55 AM EDT
Philadelphia Inquirer, The – Obama offers details on economic plan
10/14/2008 03:45:37 AM EDT
Election 2008 Tool Box
Make sure your voice is heard in 2008. Register to vote, learn how to vote early and find information on candidates seeking office across the country.
Do you need to look up the elected officials that currently represent you? Click here to access a list of your federal and state legislators, including full biographies and contact information.
Election Day 2008 features the Presidential Election, 33 U.S. Senate Elections, and 435 U.S. Congressional Elections. There are also 11 state gubernatorial elections. This year’s state legislative elections will bring inevitable change with nearly 80 percent of all legislative seats scheduled for elections. Finally, there are insurance commissioner races in Delaware, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Carolina, and Washington State. Click here to access state and federal candidate information.
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