Capitol to Courthouse Headliners: Wednesday, November 5
Nov 5, 2008
“I congratulate President-elect Barack Obama on his historic victory. Our nation’s democracy is a shining example admired throughout the world for its ability to peacefully transition from one leader to another. We in America can never take this process for granted.
“Now that the people of Florida and our nation have spoken, it is time for our nation to unite behind President-elect Obama with one purpose – to strengthen our economy and increase opportunity for all Americans. I have been privileged to work alongside Republicans and Democrats, and together, we have accomplished much for the people of Florida. It is amazing what we can acheive when we keep our focus on those who really matter – the people we serve – and not on worrying about who should get the credit.
“The right to choose our leaders is one of our most precious rights as Americans, and during this election, we saw historic numbers of Floridians register to vote for the first time, and then exercise that sacred right by casting a ballot. I thank Secretary of State Kurt Browning and all of our elections supervisors for their tremendous work to ensure a smooth election throughout Florida.”
–Florida Governor Charlie Crist; November 5, 2008
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Insurance Industry Faces a New Political Reality
Without a doubt, the election signaled a shift, but what does that mean for the insurance industry?
NAMIC Comments on 2008 Election
The following comments may be attributed to Jimi Grande, NAMIC’s vice president for federal and political affairs.
Obama victory helps unions, auto companies
Obama’s victory in the presidential race will give labor unions and the embattled U.S. auto industry a strong ally in the White House, and likely will put pressure on oil and gas producers and pharmaceutical companies.
Economy, experience among key issues in Florida
Florida voters who considered the economy, health care and the Iraq war as the most important issues in Tuesday’s presidential election favored Barack Obama, while more affluent, conservative voters and those worried about terrorism chose John McCain, Associated Press exit polls showed.
Blacks, Hispanics signal Florida shift
Buoyed by massive black support and the crucial votes of Hispanics, Democrat Barack Obama captured Florida by winning on the issues and striking deep into Republican strongholds.
Florida Democrats gain 2 seats in Congress
Democrats gained two Florida congressional seats Tuesday and sought more.
Citizens offers commercial insurance
Citizens Property Insurance Corp. said it would begin offering a commercial nonresidential multi-peril policy on Nov. 17.
Regulators put southwest Florida bank on warning
In the wake of last week’s failure of Freedom Bank in Bradenton, regulators are honing on another troubled southwest Florida bank.
Freedom Bank, First Priority Bank, Coast Bank. Three Bradenton banks, none of which lasted more than 71/2 years.
Computer glitch dumps kids from state health insurance
Computer errors in a state health insurance program has officials contacting families of thousands of children who may have been improperly dropped over the last five months to try to get them enrolled again.
Miami doctor gets 7 years in prison for Medicare fraud
Judges sentenced a Miami physician and a clinic administrator to prison for their roles in a Medicare racket run by three Cuban immigrant brothers who fled to Cuba.
Amendment 1: Declaration of Rights
Amendment for tax breaks on green homes too close
A constitutional amendment that would make home improvements that provide renewable energy or harden homes against hurricanes exempt from the home’s assessed value is too close to call.
Putnam To Step Down From GOP Leadership
U.S. Rep. Adam Putnam announced late Tuesday that he will step down from his chairmanship of the House Republican Conference Committee and will not seek election to any other leadership post when his chairmanship expires Nov. 17.
Lawmaker receives more powder in the mail
For the second time in less than two months, state Sen. Evelyn Lynn has received mail containing a white powder. Authorities were called to her office on Halifax Avenue about 9:20 a.m., Daytona Beach police Sgt. Jimmie Flynt said.
Co-op wants slice of land from U.S. Sugar buyout
The smallest of Florida’s three major sugar companies wants a piece of the 187,000 acres the state is negotiating to purchase in its $1.75 billion buyout of U.S. Sugar Corp.
Voters Elect Five Insurance Commissioners
Voters have decided the outcome of races for five open insurance commissioners’ seats, 11 gubernatorial spots and races for many legislators participating on insurance committees in their state legislatures.
Profiles of new governors elected Tuesday:
Jack Markell, Jay Nixon, and Bev Perdue
Arizona Voters Reject Homeowners Bill of Rights
Arizona voters overwhelming rejected Proposition 201, dubbed the Homeowners Bill of Rights. Approximately 1.34 million people, or 77.9 percent, voted no on the measure, while 386,281 voted yes.
Congress Gets More Dems To Deal With TARP, OFC, Credit Scoring
Democrats have emerged from the election not only with control of the White House, but with a workable majority in Congress as they prepare to deal with a faltering economy and several insurance issues that are likely to be on the front burner.
Oregon Insurance Commissioner: Collaboration With Insurance Agents Aids in State Regulation
The property/casualty insurance marketplace could not function without insurance agents and brokers. Consequently, it’s important for state regulators to work with agents within their states.
Kentucky Deals with Insurance for Low-Speed Electric Vehicles
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear recently signed legislation directing the state’s transportation department to develop and implement standards to authorize the operation of low speed electric vehicles on Kentucky highways.
Calif. Mold Case Seen By Defense As Growing Trend
An Orange County, Calif., jury verdict rejecting a negligence claim against a remediation company is the latest result from a new variety of mold cases that are being filed, a defense attorney said.
A Winning E&O Defensive Strategy: How Agents Can Block Claims
In sports, the best offense is a great defense, right? When it comes to preventing errors and omissions claims defensive measures are also the best offense in protecting an insurance agency. Defensive strategies, or risk management practices, that can give an agency a significant advantage on the E&O playing field include having standard agency procedures in place, documenting everything and following through on customers’ requests.
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