WASHINGTON’S TO IRON OUT KINKS

Newly elected Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler wants to regain some powers stripped away by lawmakers peeved at predecessor Deborah Senn, according to Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News service. Kreidler reportedly plans to also seek the re-accreditation of the office and expand availability of lower-cost drugs. His predecessor lost a bid for the U.S. Senate in November.