INSURANCE COMMISSIONER

CHUCK QUACKENBUSH

Quackenbush, running for a second four-year term, says he has been tough on the insurance industry, even while receiving millions of dollars in campaign contributions over the years from insurance interests. Quackenbush leads in the polls and has raised nearly 20 times as much campaign money as his opponent has.

* Party: Republican

* Occupation: State insurance commissioner

* Age: 44

* Residence: Rio Linda

* Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Notre Dame, 1976.

* Career highlights: U.S. Army veteran. Founded Q-Tech, a Silicon Valley consulting firm, then Q-Bit Software. Both were sold in 1989. State assemblyman, 1986-94. Elected insurance commissioner 1994.

* Priorities: To lower insurance costs for consumers while allowing insurance companies fair profits in a healthy, competitive marketplace.

DIANE MARTINEZ

Martinez, who was forced out of the Assembly because of term limits this year, is waging a low-tech campaign, touring the state in a station wagon with her husband. One of the Assembly’s most combative members and a harsh critic of the insurance industry, she says insurance prices are too high and believes that the industry should be more tightly monitored.

* Party: Democratic

* Occupation: State assemblywoman

* Age: 45

* Residence: Monterey Park

* Education: Attended Los Angeles Community College

* Career highlights: Worked 12 years in communications industry. Served on Garvey school board. Elected to Assembly in 1992.

* Priorities: To lower insurance rates and serve as a consumer advocate.