A View From The Press Box

At first, the industry was praised for not invoking the war exclusion to deny WTC claims (although I don't think they would have had a leg to stand on had they tried).

However, the good feelings insurers generated with their early support degenerated into a total mess when it became clear that many policies were not completed until after coverage took effect and the worst-case scenario happened on 9/11.

Then the industry tried to limit damages by insisting the attack was one event, not two (even though two separate planes hit two separate buildings at two different times).

Then, many insurers just dug in their heels while lawsuits and negotiations dragged on, prompting organized protests and loads of bad publicity.

Gov. Spitzer's office said that beginning in late March, Insurance Superintendent Eric Dinallo--who was a prosecutor under Mr. Spitzer when he was attorney general, as well as serving more recently as general counsel at Willis--"held dozens of meetings with Silverstein Properties and the insurance companies."

Then, the governor's office said, "this month, when several outstanding issues remained unresolved, Gov. Spitzer became personally engaged in the negotiations."

That's when the head-knocking began. You don't want to mess with Eliot Spitzer.