NC Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin Announces Re-election Run, Raises Record Campaign Cash

RALEIGH – Before a crowd of more than 200 enthusiastic supporters, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin announced his bid for re-election last Thursday (Sept. 29). The 2012 kickoff was Goodwin’s most successful fundraiser ever, helping the campaign surpass an impressive and record-setting $345,000 in total donations for the re-election efforts thus far.

Goodwin, who also serves as State Fire Marshal, officially declared his intentions, telling the standing-room-only crowd that he “has more work to do” for the people of North Carolina:

“In 2008, I pledged stronger consumer protections, reforms of the Beach Plan, greater transparency, a crackdown on insurance fraud, greater outreach and accessibility by all persons and businesses the Department serves, and to be the strongest and most effective voice possible for our fire and rescue services.

In just three years, I have saved individuals, families and businesses across North Carolina more than $1 billion through rate cuts, refunds, rebates and restitution. We recovered $20 million last year alone in our fight against insurance fraud. And I’ve worked to ensure that the 300,000 licensees regulated by the Department more than ever meet our high levels of integrity.

I’m running for re-election because there is more work to do.

We have the lowest car insurance rates in the South and the eighth lowest in the country, but we’ve got more work to do. We’ve lowered workers’ compensation rates and tempered health insurance rates, but we’ve got more work to do. We’ve also fought for fairness to our agents and brokers who serve on the Main Streets all across the state to be counselors for consumers, but we’ve got more work to do.

And, we’ve fought to keep the federal government out of insurance regulation and preserve state-based insurance regulation. Consumers need an experienced advocate who has a proven record of fighting for them, and who will – even against the strongest of out-of-state insurance companies – stand up for consumers, fair rates and a choice in the marketplace every day. It is no accident that we have 20 percent more insurance companies choosing to provide coverage and services here than before I took office.”

Special honorary hosts for the event were former Governor Jim Hunt, former Chief Justice Henry Frye and Secretary of State Elaine Marshall.(*) The four sponsorship levels were comprised of a bipartisan group of supporters, representing the depth and diversity of Goodwin’s team as he builds momentum across the state for the 2012 election. A full listing of sponsors can be found at www.waynegoodwin.org.

# # #
*Unable to attend

BREAKING NEWS: 8th District to Host Next NCDP State Executive Committee Meeting!

I am very pleased to announce that the next State Executive Committee meeting of the North Carolina Democratic Party will be held in the Eighth Congressional District. What thrills me even more is that Cole Auditorium in my own Richmond County - more particularly, my hometown of Hamlet - will be the host site. Many readers may not recall that Cole Auditorium was one of the last pet projects of the late Joe Grimsley, past President of Richmond Community College and the long-time campaign manager of Governor Jim Hunt.

For those unfamiliar with events such as a State Executive Committee meeting, having the event someplace other than a metropolitan area is the first time in recent memory.

Moreover, having 800+ Democratic activists, candidates, campaign supporters, and media land in the heart of this district will not only send strong signals to Robin Hayes that he should pack his bags to leave Washington. It will also invigorate our Party's commitment to rural Tar Heel citizens. I predict that the presence of so many Democrats will re-energize and maximize this district and its voters' interest.

Watch this space and the website for the NC Democratic Party for more information on all events related to the occasion. We will also make recommendations on where to stay, eat, and visit while you're in the Sandhills.

Mark your calendar for January 26, 2008. We're ready to Party!