Georgia Insurance Chief Oxendine Defends Trips

WSB-TV reported that a lawsuit claims Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine — a Republican candidate for governor — took trips on the tab of a campaign contributor who asked for help in an insurance dispute.

The federal lawsuit involves a dispute over investments in the Indiana Life Insurance Co. The company, in court documents, alleges Dr. Jeffrey Gallups shelled out almost $2,000 in 2007 for Oxendine and his wife to attend the Oscars.

The lawsuit also refers to a 2006 hunting trip financed by Gallups.

An Oxendine spokesman denied any wrongdoing, saying the trips were not illegal and the commissioner reimbursed the donor.

“What you have here is an insurance company accused of cheating people, and they are trying to do whatever they can to get at me,” Oxendine told The Associated Press.

He said his office found wrongdoing by the company after an investigation prompted in part by complaints from Gallups.

A company spokeswoman had no immediate comment.

WSB-TV also reported that the trips were provided at the same time Oxendine’s office was involved in a dispute over Gallups’ possible removal from a list of Blue Cross Blue Shield-approved physicians.

In a statement, Oxendine noted he has helped 200,000 consumers in disputes.