Analyzed Insurance

Sacramento, Calif. (AP) — The insurance industry has given more than $1.5 million in indirect contributions to support the Republican candidate for state insurance commissioner, raising criticism among certain groups.

Both candidates say they will not accept direct contributions from the industry they would regulate.

The money is flowing instead to the California Chamber of Commerce JobsPAC, which is airing advertising for Republican Mike Villines and against Democrat Dave Jones. Both are termed-out members of the state Assembly.

California Common Cause, Consumer Watchdog and the Center for Governmental Studies in Los Angeles say it’s a way for the insurance to buy influence without being tied directly to the campaign.

The chamber says it backs candidates who support creating jobs.

Villines’ campaign said its opponents are the trial lawyers and labor unions supporting Jones.

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