– letting the state 'go off the cliff' was the "fiscally responsible" position... For me, there was nothing more fiscally or socially irresponsible than inaction...especially when we knew the facts. I was determined not to let California fail and to the best I could to solve the problem. And so I worked with Dave, Karen, Darrell and Governor Schwarzenneger to craft a budget compromise... But in the end, we believed it was practical, fair, and the only way to get California on the road to recovery...I learned that courage is taking the hard road even when there is an easy way out. And I gained a real understanding of what politics should be – putting the interests of the people ahead of what's easy or best for my career." Run for Insurance Commissioner In 2009, Villines became a candidate for California Insurance Commissioner. The incumbent, Steve Poizner, was leaving the office to run for governor. Villines received the 2010 Republican nomination for Insurance Commissioner over BrianFitzGerald, but lost the general election to the Democratic nominee, fellow Assemblyman Dave Jones. Villines received the endorsement of San Francisco Chronicle for the post of Insurance Commissioner and had the follow to say "Villines has shown he can balance competing interests and is willing to take the heat for doing the right thing...The fortitude to do the right thing against immense pressure is a pretty good credential for insurance commissioner, the state officeholder charged with regulating and approving rates for homeowner and auto insurance. " He also received endorsements from the LA Daily News, Modesto Bee, Fresno Bee, Bakersfield Californian and the Merced Sun-Star. Priorities and recognition Villines authored AB 1887 to create a high-risk pool to allow for health-care coverage for Californians with pre-existing conditions utilizing federal funds directed from the Affordable Health Care for America Act. The bill passed by receiving bipartisan support within the California Assembly and Senate and was praised for its ability to finally address the segment of the population that was unable to obtain health insurance. He is also carrying AB 2561 which creates the California Department of Energy (CDOE) and consolidates within the CDOE fragmented state energy functions and authorities to establish a coordinated body to regulate the state's energy policies. During his legislative career, Villines has made improving California's business climate, reducing the tax burden on hard-working families and restoring common-sense solutions and accountability to state