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Law eases suits against insurers
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Law eases suits against insurers
Gov. Tim Pawlenty has signed a bill making it easier for consumers to sue their home and auto insurance companies over denied claims. The legislation lets policyholders recover up to $250,000 in damages and $100,000 in attorneys' fees if an insurer denies a claim without a reasonable basis. Supporters say the law will help policyholders get what they paid for. Backers call it "good faith" because policyholders would have to demonstrate that their insurer failed to act in good faith by unreasonably or recklessly denying a claim. Opponents dub it "bad faith" and warn it will enrich trial lawyers while pushing up insurance premiums.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
All-day primary plan advancesA plan for an all-day presidential primary starting in 2012 is headed for a Senate vote after clearing the Finance Committee on a divided voice vote. The bill from Sen. Dan Larson, DFL-Bloomington, would add a presidential primary on the same day as the precinct caucuses every four years. The timing would be either after the Iowa caucuses or as part of a Midwestern primary if a regional primary system is adopted. Precinct caucuses drew record turnout this year, but Larson said voters were frustrated and disenfranchised by long waits and logistical problems.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pawlenty says remark ill-advisedGov. Tim Pawlenty said he has tried to maintain civility in his dealings with lawmakers, and he acknowledged Friday that his recent "cheap shots" line pushed that boundary. Pawlenty was asked by a caller to his weekly radio show to explain why he had his top adviser tell House Majority Leader Tony Sertich: "Cheap shots are cheap, but they're not free." Pawlenty, a Republican, said he was bothered that Sertich, a Democrat, criticized his involvement in state affairs. But the governor insists there was no retaliatory threat made against the DFL leader's bonding bill projects, which were vetoed. Pawlenty conceded that he occasionally says things he wishes he didn't and that remark was probably one of them.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Current state office holders
Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.
- Lt. Governor: Carol Molnau
- Secretary of State: Mark Ritchie
- Attorney General: Lori Swanson
- State Auditor: Rebecca Otto
Minnesota's political giants: Learn more about the men and women who have shaped Minnesota's political history.
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