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Ex-eBay CEO Weighs Run for Calif. Governor

Whitman's billions attract attention from Schwarzenegger's party

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 25, 2008 1:45 PM CST
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(Newser) – Meg Whitman, who is resigning as eBay’s CEO after 10 years, is considering running for governor of California as a Republican, the LA Times reports. Whitman became “fascinated” by politics while bundling donations for ex-colleague Mitt Romney, a source says, and some California Republicans like her executive chops and deep pockets.

"She brings very strong private sector experience to the table, and her involvement in politics gives her a potential base of support," says an ex-GOP consultant. Whitman’s billions could easily fund her campaign, but her scant political experience could be a liability. She also faces potential competition from fellow Silicon Valley billionaire Steve Poizner, the State insurance commissioner.

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, accompanied by several state and local officials including state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, far left, and Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona, far right, speaks at a news conference in Orange, Calif., Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, accompanied by several state and local officials including state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, far left, and Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona, far right,...   (Associated Press)
EBay Chief Executive Officer Meg Whitman opens up the front door of eBay headquarters in San Jose, Calif., in this May 21, 2001 file photo. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, file)
EBay Chief Executive Officer Meg Whitman opens up the front door of eBay headquarters in San Jose, Calif., in this May 21, 2001 file photo. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, file)   (Associated Press)
EBay CEO Meg Whitman gestures during a talk at a conference in San Francisco, in this Oct. 18, 2007 photo. Whitman will soon step down as chief executive of eBay Inc., the online auction company that went from wobbly startup to multibillion-dollar household name in her 10-year tenure. (AP Photo/Paul...
EBay CEO Meg Whitman gestures during a talk at a conference in San Francisco, in this Oct. 18, 2007 photo. Whitman will soon step down as chief executive of eBay Inc., the online auction company that...   (Associated Press)
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US • Money

 
Mitt Romney • California • eBay • Meg Whitman • governor

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