Thomas, Czaja, Flanders Win Election to Legislatures in Montana, Wisconsin and New Hampshire

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Three leaders of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) are celebrating election victories. Fred Thomas, a past national president of the association, along with Mary Czaja and Don Flanders, currently national directors, won legislative races in their respective states.

Thomas won election to the Montana State Senate from District 45, representing Ravalli County. Czaja won her race to capture the 35^th Assembly District in northern Wisconsin. Flanders won re-election to the New Hampshire House of Representatives (called the General Court). All are Republicans who ran on pro-business platforms.

"PIA members are local insurance agents who are involved in their communities and engage in the political process to help make things better," said PIA National President Andrew C. Harris. "The members of PIA are proud of the dedication of Fred Thomas, Mary Czaja and Don Flanders and their personal involvement in the political process. We congratulate them on their election victories."

Thomas served as PIA National President in 2010-2011, Czaja is a member of the national board of directors of PIA, representing Wisconsin and Flanders represents New Hampshire on the national PIA board.

"We are absolutely thrilled with Mary Czaja's victory for the 35^th Assembly seat in Wisconsin," said PIA of Wisconsin Executive Vice President Ron Von Haden. "With her knowledge of insurance and small business and her tremendous work ethic, she will be an invaluable asset to the people of her district and the State of Wisconsin. PIA worked hard to help Mary in her race, not only financially but also by knocking on doors and delivering literature for her in the district. We are proud of Mary and her work with PIA and now in the State Capitol."

Thomas' election marks his return to the legislature, where he previously served 16 years, four years as Senate Majority Leader, before leaving due to term limits. He said his philosophy is "a good conservative philosophy of less government and less taxes, one that embodies citizens as consumers that make their own decisions and are empowered to control their own destiny, more than having the government do any of it. My bottom line is less government, more citizen control."

"Our heartfelt congratulations go out to Don Flanders," said PIA National Government Affairs Committee Chair Gary Blackwell. "The citizens of New Hampshire are well-served having Don's vast, extensive knowledge to draw upon in the formulation of insurance legislation, just as PIA is well-served by Don's continued service to our association." Flanders has served as chair of the Insurance Sub-Committee of the House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee.

PIA participates in the political process at both the state level and on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The association seeks to have a positive influence on legislation that has potential impact on professional insurance agents and small businesses.

Founded in 1931, PIA is a national trade association that represents member insurance agents and their employees who sell and service all kinds of insurance, but specialize in coverage of automobiles, homes and businesses. PIA members are Local Agents Serving Main Street America ^SM. PIA's web address is www.pianet.com.

This press release online at: http://pianet.com/news/press-releases/2012/electiondayvictories110712

SOURCE National Association of Professional Insurance Agents