Tight Gop Race For Insurance Commissioner Democrat Senn Collecting Half The Votes

Anthony Lowe, the darling of state Republican leaders, was caught Tuesday in a surprisingly tight insurance commissioner’s race with maverick Brian McCulloch.

The winner faces incumbent Democrat Deborah Senn who was collecting more than half the votes despite splitting the haul with her five challengers.

“People know the job of this office is to protect the consumers,” Senn said Tuesday night. “That’s what’s encouraging. This race is about putting consumers first, and not in the hands of the industry.”

Senn said she anticipated being attacked by the Republican nominee. McCulloch once called her “the worst insurance commissioner in the history of the country.”

On Tuesday night, he was more deferential. “She is going to be a very, very tough opponent,” he said.

Lowe said he thinks the voters will choose between Senn’s desire to let government micro-manage people’s insurance or his plan to guide a free market with a more gentle hand.

“I think it will be clear what the people want to see for the next four years,” Lowe said.

Both McCulloch and Lowe - who between them received about half as many votes as Senn - maintained that her high numbers were skewed by her last-minute television advertising blitz.

Lowe, 35, was considered the Republican heavy favorite with an endorsement roster that included vice presidential candidate Jack Kemp. But the race was too close to call late Tuesday.

McCulloch, an insurance instructor and former insurance executive, had no significant political endorsements and only about 20 cents for every Lowe campaign dollar.

What McCulloch, 49, had was a confrontational style and an unusual enthusiasm for insurance issues.

“I’m passionate about this. I think that passion comes through. Apparently, the voters must like it. With far fewer resources and without the establishment behind me, I’ve been able to do a credible job here.”

Stuck in a large and feisty field of Republicans, Lowe was repeatedly tarred by McCulloch and others as the ambitious politician who knew little about insurance.

Lowe countered the charge by insisting his experience as a prosecutor and a U.S. Senate aide, crafting and enforcing laws, is ideal for the commissioner’s job.

A common refrain from the Republicans is that Senn drives insurance companies out of the state with misguided policies.

Senn is currently being sued by the state’s largest health insurers for refusing to grant their requests to increase premiums on individual policy holders.

While Senn’s enemies mount, so do her champions. Ralph Nader calls her the best insurance commissioner in the nation.

Senn was the first woman to hold the office when she beat the incumbent Republican Dick Marquart in 1992. McCulloch finished third in that race, running as an independent.

In other state races:

Attorney General: Republican Richard Pope earned the right to face incumbent Christine Gregoire. The Democrat ran strong, collecting well over half of the votes cast.

Lands Commissioner: Republican Bruce Mackey led a field of three Republicans for the party’s nomination. Incumbent Jennifer Belcher was hauling in more than half the votes.

Auditor: Robert B. Keene Jr. was caught in a close battle with Nina Becker for the Republican nomination late Friday. Incumbent Brian Sonntag ran strong, collecting well over half the votes.

Secretary of State: In a possible preview of the November election, Republican incumbent Ralph Munro got considerably more votes than his challenger, Democrat Phyllis Kenney.

Lt. Governor: Republican Ann Anderson had a commanding lead for her party’s nomination. The Democratic race was too close to call between Paull Shin and Brad Owen.

State Treasurer: Democrat Mike Murphy and Republican Lucy Deyoung were emerging as likely winners in their primaries Tuesday night in their quest to replace outgoing Treasurer Dan Grimm.

, DataTimes