PROVIDENCE -- Steve Archambault, Democratic candidate for Attorney General, this morning called on Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island to submit to a forensic audit to make sure that state regulators and subscribers have a thorough picture of the health insurer's finances.

``In just two years, Blue Cross has raised its premiums nearly 20 percent and that is simply unafforable and unacceptable. As Attorney General, I will bring a tough new approach and that begins with the performance of an independent forensic audit.''

Archambault make his announcement during a late morning news conference under a scorching sun. He used the ``$125 million new headquarters,'' of Blue Cross & Blue Shield building near the downtown train station as a backdrop.

Archambault motioned with his arm and said, ``I need a clear picture of what is going on in there.''

If elected, Archambault said that the forensic audit would be a top priority of his administration. He said that he would work with the General Assembly to get the go-ahead to examine the insurer's finances.

Archambault said that he supports the proposal by state Sen. John Tassoni, D-Smithfield, who called for the audit last spring. Archambault hails from Smithfield and he serves on the Town Council.

Archambault stopped short of accusing Blue Cross of any wrongdoing, but he questioned the high salaries for its executives and the money spent on the insurer's new headquarters ``occupying prime real estate in Providence.''

``These are red flags,'' he said. ``We need to take a close look at the financial expenses of Blue Cross.''