California homeowners must not ignore this key election race the choice couldnt be easier, or more vital

Once, the contest for California insurance commissioner was an afterthought, a choice between accountants and party hacks. Now, it’s one of the most important races on the ballot.The Palisades and Eaton fires last year — and the insurance debacle surrounding them — made that absolutely clear.Many states appoint an insurance commissioner.

California’s position has been elected since 1990, following the passage of a ballot initiative called Proposition 103.The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.

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Never miss a story This year, the campaign for insurance commissioner is the only statewide race between two Democrats, neither of whom has actual experience in the insurance industry. Despite the shared party label, there is a real choice in this election.A recent poll by Probolsky Research determined that 57% of voters were undecided even this late in the election cycle.

 That is because very few people know either Ben Allen or Jane Kim, the two finalists.Allen is a state senator who has run into term limits.

Kim is a former San Francisco supervisor.They are both attorneys (shocking) with a long history of being in government and little experience in the private sector.They both tout lofty education credentials, which may or may not be a favorable attribute today.

 I set out to ask each candidate a series of questions.Allen agreed to a telephone interview.

Kim insisted on providing written responses. I was able to ask Allen follow-up questions. Kim declined one follow-up question and did not answer one of the five original questions.It is always important to ask a candidate why he or she is running for a particular office.Allen said he had been involved in legislation related to the insurance industry in the state Senate, but was particularly moved by his work with constitue...