Assemblyman Dave Jones won his third Assembly term only last week, but he's already running again, this time for state insurance commissioner in 2010.
The Sacramento Democrat announced on Thursday that he has socked away about $1 million in campaign funds and is vying for the seat of Steve Poizner, a likely GOP gubernatorial candidate.
"The insurance commissioner should be a strong advocate for consumers," he said. "I think with my background and experience, I would be a very strong advocate."
If elected, Jones would oversee the largest consumer protection office in the state, with about 1,200 employees and a $200 million budget.
The agency regulates auto and homeowner's insurance rates, and enforces laws relating to life, health and other insurance as well.
Jones is perhaps best known in the Assembly for spearheading a successful drive in 2006 to overhaul the conservatorship system serving thousands of California's oldest and neediest residents.
Jones also passed a new law cracking down on unauthorized viewing or use of patients' medical records. He pushed unsuccessfully to restrict businesses from storing sensitive consumer payment data and to require state approval before raising health insurance rates.
Hector Barajas, a California Republican Party spokesman, said voters should be wary of electing an insurance commissioner from a Democratic Party that consistently has pushed to increase taxes and has been lax at protecting jobs.
"People are having a tough time just putting food on their table, and one of the things we need to ensure is that anyone we get in these statewide offices ... is business-friendly and consumer- friendly," Barajas said.
Jones has chaired the Assembly Judiciary Committee for the past four years.
"He's a fighter," said incoming Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento. "Dave is very accomplished, very intelligent – a champion for consumers."
State Controller John Chiang also supports Jones.
"Dave at his very core is about fairness and justice," Chiang said. "I think he's going to bring great passion and integrity to the office."
Republican Mali Currington, who lost to Jones in last week's Assembly race, said the incumbent should have been upfront with voters and donors about his plan to seek statewide office immediately.
"I think there's a little bit of political malfeasance there," he said.
But Jones said his Assembly district will benefit.
"As I build and foster relationships statewide, it allows me to learn what's working in other districts and parts of the state, and to bring those ideas and proposals back," he said.
Jones is the first Democrat in the race. Poizner retains the option to seek re-election if he opts not to run for governor.
Call Jim Sanders, Bee Capitol Bureau, (916) 326-5538.
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