Oxendine Blasts AJC Article Over Contributions

Republican candidate for governor John Oxendine is returning more than $100,000 in campaign contributions brought into question by a recent investigative report by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Oxendine in a statement Monday on his website says his campaign believes nothing was done illegally, but out of quote “an abundance of caution”, the disputed money is being returned.

The report claims two insurance companies tied to Rome and headed by the same person directed $120,000 to Oxendine’s campaign through 10 political action committees.

Campaign spokesman Jeff Breedlove says Oxendine became aware of some "technical issues" with the contributions last week, before the story ran Sunday, and filed an advisory opinion request with state ethics officials.

Breedlove says it was shoddy reporting by the AJC to run the story before interviewing Oxendine’s attorney:

"The fact is in this case a young, overzealous reporter who’s drank the liberal Kool-Aid at the AJC failed in his professional obligation to wait to Monday to talk to the attorney with the campaign."

The paper says it asked Oxendine about the allegations before its Sunday story.

Oxendine is Georgia’s Insurance and Fire safety commissioner, and was the first Republican to announce his entry into the 2010 governor’s race.

Insurance Industry: We Like Georgia’s 2009 Laws

The insurance industry is anticipating a profitable 2009 thanks to new Georgia laws taking effect January 1st.

Georgia’s insurance commissioner no longer has the power to control auto insurance rate increases. Commissioner John Oxedine fought that change, which took effect in October. He says auto insurance rates could spike by twenty five percent or more. The industry says the change will allow more competition. Most motorists renew their policies in January.

Also, this year motorists will have the option of choosing Uninsured motorist coverage. Insurance companies say UM, as it’s called, offers protections against hit and runs. Some consumer advocates say it’s a profitable product that offers little real world protection.

GA mission to Israel mulls anti-terror rescue gear

A high-level visit of Georgia political and business leaders to Israel last week, is considering a skyscraper evacuation system developed there for use in terrorism or fire-related incidents.

The tragic events in Mumbai and the changed skyline of New York are reminders of the pride we have in our cities and of the necessity to prepare for another 9/11, a fire or a terrorist hostage-taking situation," said John Oxendine, state insurance and safety fire commissioner.

The Escape Rescue Systems device, is an external evacuation platform stored on the building's roof. A series of five collapsible elevator-like containers can be deployed alongside the structure's windows, and lower 150 people to the ground in under 10 minutes, or deliver up to 25 rescue personnel or police forces, company officials told The Jerusalem Post newspaper.

"With more than 200 tall buildings in Atlanta, we need to consider revolutionary rescue and evacuation solutions, like Escape Rescue System," Oxendine said.

The US Department of Homeland Security has given its stamp of approval to the system as a Qualified Anti-terrorism Technology, according to the report.

Cagle explores run for Governor

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle has become the second Georgia Republican to jump into the race for governor. Today Cagle filed paperwork setting up an exploratory committee for the 2010 contest. Setting up the committee will allow Cagle to accept donations. State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, a Republican, has also said he will run. David Poythress, the former commander of the Georgia National Guard is the only Democrat to enter the race so far.

(Associated Press)

Death at Cochran Speedway under investigation

State insurance commissioner John Oxendine says Cochran Motor Speedway doesn't meet safety codes and may face punitive actions. This comes following the Labor Day weekend death of a Danville woman hit by debris from a car. Forty-three-year-old Cynthia Nobles died Monday after a tire and part of an axel flew from a race car and landed in a section of the pit area that wasn't protected by a fence. The Bleckley County Sheriff's Office is investigating.

State Insurance office revokes company license

A life insurance company has had its license revoked by Georgia's insurance commissioner. Trans World Assurance is banned from selling any new policies in the state. The company was also fined $214,000, and ordered to refund money collected from active military personnel. The state's insurance office says the company targeted American military personnel with a deceptive sales program, and committed multiple state insurance code violations. The president of the California-based company says he plans to appeal the ruling.

Storm damage tally rises about 100-mill

Monetary estimates of damage in the state from last weekend's storms have been revised. State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine has pushed the number of insured losses to now 125-million dollars. Oxendine Thursday took a helicopter tour of damage in Bibb, Clayton, and Douglas counties. He called the damage the worst he's seen in his 14 years on the job. 15 tornadoes touched-down in areas of central and northern Georgia on Mother's Day, with another few in the southern portion of the state. Two people died from the storms. There are 13 affected state disaster areas.