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Tom Savage, running for insurance commissioner, launched a statewide campaign with his first stop at the old Georgetown courthouse Monday, April 14.
Savage, 79, of Lewes, is a former Prudential Insurance Co. agent. He is also a former Wilmington deputy fire chief. Savage is calling for a health insurance plan for all Delaware residents. “I’m the only [Democratic] candidate from Sussex County on the state ticket,” he said. “I’m pushing this – I guess I’ve upset Mr. Reed,” he said.
Savage, on Tuesday, April 15, called for the resignation of Gene Reed, also running for the seat. Reed has not been charged with any wrongdoing, but Savage called his campaign contributions unethical. “He says, with a straight face, that all this money is coming to him because his friends like him. Is that why dozens of top insurance industry officers have donated the legal limit of $1,200? Is that why those officials and family members have donated the most allowed by law?” said Savage.
Reed, 48, has worked in the state insurance commissioner’s office for 23 years. Sen. David McBride, D-New Castle, and Rep. Melanie George Marshall, D-Bear, announced their support for Reed on April 15.
“The people of Delaware deserve to have a commissioner who understands the complexities of the insurance industry,” said Marshall. “Gene has a history of defending the interests of Delawareans regarding insurance issues, and we need someone we can trust will do a great job in that important position.”
Reed responded to the allegations. “The numerous endorsements I am receiving are a testament to my lifetime of work in defending Delawareans insurance rights. My campaign finance report has nothing but reputable people that know I will continue to fight as Delaware’s next insurance commissioner with integrity and expertise in insurance regulation,” said Reed.
Savage and Reed will face off in the Sept. 9 primaries. Karen Weldin Stewart, also a Democrat, has announced her intent to run, but has not yet filed.
John Brady of Rehoboth Beach is the Republican candidate on the ticket.
Contact Kevin Spence at k.spence@capegazette.com
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