Three Democrats, one Republican vie for insurance commissioner

Tom Savage

Savage, 79, is a former deputy fire chief of the Wilmington Fire Department. Savage ran unsuccessfully for the state Senate in 2004, losing to Sen. Gary Simpson, R-Milford. Savage says the need for single-payer health insurance for all residents is the reason he jumped into the race. “I’m quite aware of the discrepancies people have to pay for their health plans,” said Savage. He proposes a program – paid for by no more than 2 percent of a worker’s gross income – for universal healthcare under the direction of the insurance commissioner. “Please do not depend on your current insurance. Insurance is not mandatory under any law,” he cautioned. ...

... Gene Reed

Gene Reed, 48, is a Bear resident who has worked for the state insurance commissioner for more than 23 years. “I would support any proposal that the next governor will put in place for universal healthcare coverage. I plan to hold the companies’ feet to the fire for universal health care,” said Reed.

These down ballot races are crucially important because they will determine the political climate of 2009. If we elect hundreds of pro-single payer candidates then the momentum will shift. For one thing, we will probably be able to pass single payer in one or more states. If Senators see that single payer candidates are winning in their states, they will be fare more likely to support single payer.

If you know of any single payer candidates in your area, please post about them.