Former EBay CEO Starts Gubernatorial Run
Former eBay CEO Meg Whitman officially tossed her hat in the ring for California governor on Monday by forming an exploratory committee led by California Republican Reps. Kevin McCarthy and Mary Bono Mack. The long-anticipated announcement that she would seek the GOP gubernatorial nomination in 2010 comes on the heels of her service as a co-chair for the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. Former California Gov. Pete Wilson will serve as her campaign chairman.
In the coming weeks, through speeches in Silicon Valley, Orange County and at the California Republican Party Convention in Sacramento, Whitman will offer a vision for the Golden State, according to a press release. "California faces challenges unlike any other time in its history - a weak and faltering economy, massive job losses, and an exploding state budget deficit. California is better than this, and I refuse to stand by and watch it fail," she said. "Now is the time for people across the state to join in a cause for change, excellence and a new California."
Jeff Randle, CEO of Randle Communications, will serve as Whitman's senior advisor and has worked with her since 2007. Randle joins Henry Gomez, one of Whitman's closest advisors during her tenure at the Internet auction Web site. Randle called Whitman a "tremendous leader and team-builder" and said she is poised to address California's problems. "Meg is committed to working to restore the state's greatness. With new leadership and a new direction, Meg will forge a new California, which will once again be the number one state in economic growth, job creation and quality of life," he said. Whitman's chief opponent is Republican California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner.
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