Former eBay CEO Meg Whitman to run for California governor

If the economy is still stalled next year (not a bad guess), you might see Californians warm to the idea of a business person in the top seat.

Former eBay chief Meg Whitman put an end to months of speculation today when she announced that she intended to seek the Republican nomination to replace Arnold Schwarzenegger as governor of California. In a statement released today, Whitman said: “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. Now is the time for people across the state to join in a cause for change, excellence and a new California.” – From Guardian UK

Former eBay chief executive Meg Whitman has taken the first step toward running for California governor in 2010. Whitman on Monday launched an exploratory committee to seek the Republican nomination for governor, a move that allows her to raise campaign funds. She says on her Web site that California faces unprecedented economic challenges and that she refuses “to stand by and watch” the state fail. The 52-year-old political neophyte began testing her affinity for politics after leaving the online auction site after 10 years last January. She served as finance chairwoman for Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign and then as a national co-chair of John McCain’s. – From AP

Former eBay CEO Meg Whitman, 52, a billionaire Republican businesswoman who built the online marketplace into a household name, is now looking to tackle the considerable financial problems of the Golden State: She has announced an exploratory committee to make a 2010 run for governor. The entry of Whitman into the race heralds what is expected to be a crowded and expensive contest on both sides, highlighted by the presence of three GOP moderates from the Silicon Valley: Whitman, State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, and former Rep. Tom Campbell of San Jose. – From SFgate.com