Garamendi Campaign to Benefit from Bannister Clout
By Robert Warne - November 1, 2002Since the primary, the insurance commissioner race has been a sleepy sideshow to all the other political issues and candidates on center stage.
Throwing some spice into the picante sauce by coming out and endorsing his formal political rival, Republican Wes Bannister as a man of integrity, crossed party lines and gave the thumbs up to the best possible insurance commissioner candidate, Democrat John Garamendi.
Bannister told the Los Angeles Times, as the state's first elected insurance commissioner in 1990, Garamendi is better-equipped to handle an approaching crisis in insurance coverage for worker's compensation, health care and homeowners' policies.
Bannister’s historical move carries with it some serious weight. Not only has he had his hand in the California insurance market for forty years, he’s run in the last three commissioner races. In 1990 he was the Republican nominee and ran against Garamendi in the general election.
He’s aware that his move to endorse Garamendi over Republican nominee Gary Mendoza will cast dark clouds on some Republican Party members’ picnics. But from his unique perspective, he knows California needs a proactive commissioner with experience who is ready to deal with California’s insurance problems.
Bannister told adjustercom.com that, “I have seen his (Mendoza) ads and have read everything printed and he is still attacking the opponent and not saying one thing about himself or his plans.”
Bannister said that he met with Garamendi three months ago to discuss insurance issues. From this experience and the events that have since transpired, Bannister has been converted.
“We need someone who will be there to do the job…I think Garamendi intends to do that and I am not sure that Mendoza can or will,” said Bannister. | 
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