Quackenbush resigns in California scandal

SAN FRANCISCO - Californian insurance commissioner Chuck Quackenbush, whofaced impeachment proceedings, has resigned rather than testify under oathabout using money from insurance company settlements for his own politicalactivities. The resignation, effective July 10, caused both houses of thestate legislature to end three months of hearings. The state attorneygeneral, however, is continuing a separate investigation, which could leadto criminal and civil charges. Mr Quackenbush also faces a $13m taxpayerlawsuit claiming he diverted funds that should have gone to victims of the1994 Northgate earthquake.