California's political fire season underway: Carly Fiorina files to explore 2010 dump Boxer bid

Carly Fiorina, the 54-year-old businesswoman who was a ubiquitous spokeswoman for Sen. John McCain's doomed Republican presidential campaign last year, filed papers today to explore her own campaign next year to unseat California Democratic incumbent Sen. Barbara Boxer.

The move, obtaining a tax registration number and establishing a committee named "Carly for California," allows her to legally raise money for such an effort in one of the most politically expensive states in the country.

In a written statement, the former head of Hewlett-Packard said Californians have "serious concerns about job creation, economic growth and the role of government in solving problems that touch each of our lives."

Sounds like concerns that could apply these days to pretty much any state.

Personal wealth is a good thing if you're in California politics. Fiorina is that -- in California and wealthy.

She'll begin fundraising and meeting with advisors immediately. If Fiorina proceeds, most likely a foregone conclusion, she'll face Chuck DeVore, a state assemblyman from Irvine, in the Republican senate primary next June.

If successful, her bid could make for a heated statewide race between two outspoken women. A three-term Brooklyn native, Boxer has made headlines in recent months with what many regarded as unusually peremptory comments in Senate committee hearings, including dressing down an Army general for calling her "Ma'am" instead of senator.

And she had a verbal confrontation with a black business association leader, as The Ticket reported here.

In 2010, the nation's most populous state will also be convulsed by 53 House races and a statewide gubernatorial battle to replace term-limited Arnold Schwarzenegger.

There, another wealthy businesswoman, Meg Whitman of EBay fame, is facing State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner in the GOP primary, along with Tom Campbell, Schwarzenegger's former finance director. San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom is already running on the Democratic side, expected to be joined by ex-governor, ex-mayor and current state Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown.

Linda Ronstadt has not yet filed for any office.

-- Andrew Malcolm

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Photo: Associated Press

Comments

[Jim Sullivan]

Please run!! Barbara Boxer is out of touch with what hard working CA residents want.

[Lee B.]

Her history at HP shows that she did a horrendous job. She has no idea how to govern. Of the GOP candidates, only Tom Campbell has any idea of what the job entails or what sound public policy even looks like.

[Lee B.]

Addendum - yes, I know Campbell's running for governor and Fiorina for Senate; I'm referring to any high level governing office.

[WB]

While I have never been a fan of Boxer, voting for her would be far preferable to Fiorina. Her tenure at HP was a disaster, both personally and professionally. A perfect of example of ego not matching ability.

[Tom G]

Go Carly! Babs is an embarrassment and needs to go yesterday.

[larry]

This is the best news Barbara Boxer has had in months. I guess the Republicans can't come up with any viable non-millionaire candidates.

[Purring_Oaks]

With God on her side, Sarah as her manager and the insurance industry funding her , all of us will prosper. CRAP!

[Sharon Romano]

I am a former HP employee and a resident of California. I will work hard to defeat Carly's bid for senator. She couldn't get it right when she was CEO of HP; she couldn't get it right when she was with the John McCane campaign; and we don't need her damaging California the way she damaged HP. Don't just take my word, Portfolio Magazine named Fiorina one of the worst CEOs in American history. This is what they had to say: "A consummate self-promoter, Fiorina was busy pontificating on the lecture circuit and posing for magazine covers while her company floundered. She paid herself handsome bonuses and perks while laying off thousands of employees to cut costs. The merger Fiorina orchestrated with Compaq in 2002 was widely seen as a failure. She was ousted in 2005...HP stock lost half its value during Fiorina's tenure."

[Larry]

I don't think Boxer knew what kind of Ma'am the General REALLY think she is!!

[Fearless Eagle]

In January 2004, at a meeting to "head off rising protectionist sentiment in Congress", Carly Fiorina said: "There is no job that is America's God-given right anymore. We have to compete for jobs as a nation."

Carly Fiorina's strategy was to hire foreign workers on visas and replace qualified American workers. She has already committed TREASON against America. God save California.

Fearless Eagle

[JNCali]

ABB -Anyone But Boxer. I say let's give her a shot if no one else has the 'cajones' to challenge Boxer. It may not be a step in the right direction but it will be a step away from the wrong direction! Ken Dickson is running for CA Senate 36th district. We need more of this type of candidate who is not in politics for personal prestige but actually to serve their constituents... what a concept! Check out his website at www.KCDickson2010.us
We can not sleep through the 2010 elections!

[Glenn Miller]

Those of you who want anyone but Ms Boxer had better take a closer look at who you're rooting for to replace her. Ms Fiorina ran jobs out of California and ran a fine company into the ground. My job is now being done in Mexico.

[Danielle D.]

Carly is not the ideal candidate Republicans are looking for, but anyone would be better than Boxer. That woman has to go! I'm a little worried about her track record at HP, but first priority is to restore balance and sanity to Congress.