NAME: Dave Jones
AGE: 52. Born in Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 4, 1962
PARTY: Democrat
EXPERIENCE: First elected in 2010, Jones leads the California Department of Insurance, regulating the insurance industry. He served in the state Assembly from 2004 through 2010, where he chaired the Assembly Health Committee, the Assembly Judiciary Committee and the Budget Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. Jones began his career as a legal aid attorney with Legal Services of Northern California, working there from 1988 to 1995.
FAMILY: Wife Kim Flores, one son, one daughter.
WEBSITE: www.davejones2014.com
PRIORITIES: Implement federal health care reform. Signed emergency regulation requiring health insurers to spend at least 80 cents of every premium dollar on health care, rather than on administrative costs or to improve profits. Saving policyholders money by preventing excessive rates for auto, homeowners and other property and casualty insurance.
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NAME: Ted Gaines
AGE: 56. Born in Roseville, Calif., April 25, 1958
PARTY: Republican
EXPERIENCE: Elected to the state Senate in 2010. Serves as chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus and vice chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee. Previously served in the Assembly, where he was a member of the Assembly Rules Committee. Began public service as a member of the Roseville Planning Commission from 1997 to 1999. Elected to the Placer County Board of Supervisors in 2000 and 2004. Independent insurance agent.
FAMILY: Wife state Assemblywoman Beth Gaines, six children.
WEBSITE: www.tedgaines.com
PRIORITIES: Seek to encourage marketplace competition and growth at low rates while making it easier for companies to hire and retain workers. Increase criminal penalties for fraud and clamp down on frivolous lawsuits by ending cozy relationship that trial lawyers enjoy with the department. Review department spending.
