Meg Whitman gets in Gov race***

Meg Whitman, former president and CEO of eBay, announced the formation of an Exploratory Committee to seek the nomination for Governor in 2010, her campaign announced.
Former Gov. Pete Wilson will serve as campaign chairman. Others on the exploratory committee include Reps. Kevin McCarthy and Mary Bono Mack, state Senator Tony Strickland, Assembly Republican Whip Nathan Fletcher and former State Assemblywoman Sharon Runner.
"After careful consideration and with tremendous loyalty to our Golden State, I have formed an Exploratory Committee, the first step in the process of running for Governor in 2010," 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."
Whitman, 52, retired from eBay in March 2008 following a decade with the company. She campaigned for former Gov. Mitt Romney and later for Sen. John McCain in last year's presidential election.

****Poizner campaign response
Kevin Spillane, Communications Director for the Steve Poizner for Governor Exploratory Committee, today issued the following statement in response to the announcement that Meg Whitman has formed her own gubernatorial exploratory committee:
"We welcome Meg Whitman's formation of an exploratory committee. That Meg Whitman is thinking about running for Governor is a sign of strength for the California Republican Party.