STATESBORO - Elizabeth "Liz" Johnson, a 40-year insurance industry veteran, has announced her candidacy for Georgia Insurance Commissioner. Johnson is a life-long Democrat and former elected member of the Democratic National Committee.<br />
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"The incumbent, Ralph Hudgens, has a long history of pursuing a misguided personal agenda rather than working to serve Georgia citizens. His narrow policies have hurt Georgia's reputation nationally, and have hurt economic development at a time when Georgians are struggling to pay their bills. Some hospitals have been forced to close their doors, and others are on the verge of closing. Our citizens deserve better insurance protection than this. We must have a leader in this office," said Johnson.<br />
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"Recently, Hudgens bragged about being an obstructionist as he tried to block affordable healthcare for thousands of Georgians. Last week, Hudgens made national news by claiming that pre-existing medical conditions are the patient's own fault. This is not a view shared by the people of this state, and they deserve the best possible economic security for their families through their insurance," said Johnson.<br />
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Hudgens later told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution he had used a "really poor analogy" and "nothing could be further from the truth."<br />
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"I've had family members, I've had friends