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With 11 candidates, the race to become Georgia’s next insurance commissioner is among the most crowded on the ballot.
Nine Republicans, one Democrat and one Libertarian are vying for this down-ticket office that is making more of a splash than usual.
With longtime Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine running for governor, a number of candidates likely feel more confident without having to challenge an incumbent.
Douglas Young, a professor of political science at Gainesville State College, said a wide open race naturally will create more interest.
“This is the best shot that anyone has had to be elected to that position in a long, long time,” Young said. “(Oxendine has) won re-election not once, not twice but thrice as insurance commissioner. He’s been sort of an institution for almost 16 years in that post.”
The recent political controversy over health insurance is also fueling some interest.
A number of candidates have spoken in their campaigns about the new health care law, which is especially unpopular among Republicans.
“I can’t help but think this position will be more influential as a result of the Obama health care law taking effect soon and getting the government far more involved in health care than ever before in American history,” Young said. “I would think if nothing else, a Georgia state insurance commissioner could use his post as a bully pulpit.”
UGA Political Scientist Charles Bullock also pointed out that because it is a full-time position, it may be more appealing than a legislative position to some who have political aspirations.
“It seems like the salary must have much of the appeal,” Bullock said. The job pays $117,000 annually.
The insurance commissioner post has been around since the early years of Georgia’s statehood.
According to the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, the post, originally known as Comptroller General, has functioned continuously since 1799. The title of the office officially changed to Office of Commissioner of Insurance in 1983.
The commissioner’s three main areas of responsibility are insurance, fire safety and industrial loans.
The department supervises insurance companies authorized to do business in Georgia. According to the office, that includes examining financial conditions, licensing companies and agents and investigating claim complaints.
The office also inspects public buildings for compliance with state fire safety laws and aids in arson investigations. The commissioner also regulates small loan companies.
Young said following Oxendine’s success as a top contender for the governorship, people may start looking at the position as a launching pad to higher political office.
“He has been able to use his longevity in this post to position himself as a leading Republican candidate for governor,” Young said. “Especially if he prevails, that I think will add to the political cache of being insurance commissioner.”
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