Meg Whitman's entrance in California governor's race sets up Silicon Valley showdown
After months of dancing around the subject, former EBay Chief Executive Officer Meg Whitman today finally made it official: She's running for governor of California as a Republican.
The announcement sets up a Silicon Valley showdown: Her prime competition from the GOP ranks looks to be Steve Poizner, the former high-tech executive who became California's insurance commissioner. Poizner made a fortune selling his start-up SnapTrak, to San Diego-based Qualcomm in 2000.
As Michael Finnegan writes today in a Times story about the gubernatorial contest, the candidates each are so rich from their success in high-tech business that they can afford to spend millions of dollars campaigning. He writes:
As a first-time candidate, Whitman faces enormous risks. She has never undergone the intense media scrutiny that accompanies any serious bid for high office. She has only begun to meet the state's vast network of Republican Party players. And with no experience in state office, she must study quickly the panoply of issues facing the nation's most populous state, among them a surge in unemployment, substandard public schools, traffic-clogged freeways and a dysfunctional Legislature that routinely fails to overcome budget shortfalls.
Another Republican considering a run: former Silicon Valley congressman Tom Campbell. Their potential challengers on the Democratic side include Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown and San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, as well Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
-- Chris Gaither
Steve Poizner is head and shoulders above all the other possible contenders for the job, including Ms. Whitman. Ms. Whitman’s performance at the Republican convention last year was disappointing to say the least. Poizner’s resume is as diverse and relevant as any candidate and he has the intelligence, vision and leadership skills needed at a critical time in the state’s history. I am a lifelong Democrat but there is no doubt in my mind Poizner is the guy for the job.
Posted by: Nicholas | February 09, 2009 at 01:58 PM
And what will another Republican have to offer but more Social Darwinism? The problem with Right-wing ideology is that at its core lies the idea that it's morally acceptable to let poor people starve to death. This has always been the fundamental principle. Well, thanks, but no thanks. If you're not for the People, do society a favor and stay home.
Posted by: Hilary Smith | February 09, 2009 at 06:55 PM
Steve Poizner, continues to demonstrate leadership in the Republican party. He wants to help California become the glory that it can be. He has my vote!
Mitt Whitman - as she should be called - should realize she will not win because she is late in the race and Steve has all the endorsements (75%). She would be of better use to the Republican party by spending her $ on another race she could possibly win. Like maybe Lt. Gov or Controller? Perhaps a US Senate seat? This would put more Republicans in the state govt - as Steve - is the only 1 now. Lets make it 2 Meg. Not Rep vs Rep.
Posted by: charles | February 09, 2009 at 08:39 PM
Meg makes a good point, but how can she forget the issues at eBay she uncovered in this live interview? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jePZf_9GYiQ
Posted by: East Coast Vegas | February 10, 2009 at 02:30 AM
Oh goody, more corporate greed trying to take over California and then the WORLD! (evil laugh!)
Oh wait, that's how it's been for 8 years (and beyond) and things are now changing back to how they're supposed to be, when people had to possess ETHICS and MORALS, as well as skill and intelligence to run for public office.
Sorry Whitman, you possess exactly none of the above.
Whitman is a liar, a cheat and should be investigated for insider trading by the SEC. This is NOT someone you want handling your state. No matter how you feel about the current situation, please do your homework prior to voting.
Find out how she single-handedly put thousands of people out of business.
She is part of the PROBLEM, not the solution!
I wonder if she considers, currently being an ebay board member, the thousands of LAID OFF ebay employees from CALIFORNIA a move towards "seizing opportunities"? It certainly wouldn't be considered a FAILURE... or would it?
Right from Whitman's own mouth:
""California faces challenges unlike any other time in its history — a weak and faltering economy, massive job losses, and an exploding state budget deficit," Whitman said in a written statement. "California is better than this, and I refuse to stand by and watch it fail.""
No, she'll help it along, by shoving it directly into the ditch... the one that leads to the LA Mission and the soup kitchen line.
Minnie Mouse could've run ebay and instead Whitman ruined it and ran it directly into the ground.
Everything Whitman touches, fails.
First Mitt, then McCain, now ebay...... next California!
Posted by: Rainbow Jones | February 10, 2009 at 01:00 PM