Embattled Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn may be on her way out of the office, but she's still fighting a move to rein in her position. Senn yesterday argued against a renewed proposal to make the job appointed, rather than elected. While some lawmakers deny the move is an attack on Senn, those backing the idea point to developments during her tenure as proof the position should be filled by the governor, not by direct election. They say relationships between insurance companies and the commission have deteriorated as a result. Appointing the commissioner is a decades-old idea, but it has gained steam this year.
All sides agree Washington's insurance market is in crisis.
And Senn isn't seeking another term, giving lawmakers the opportunity to change the position without booting out an incumbent. She uses her position to promote a political stance. In fact, Benson says he is skeptical of the idea. Senn also stressed the importance of the voice of voters at the hearing, her first public appearance on the issue even though it has come up in the past. She even brought lawmakers some apple pie.