The year also began with the promise of a fresh election season. Republicans started with hope that their candidate could win not only the governorship, but carry several other GOP statewide candidates to victory. The early leader was Meg Whitman, whose $1.4 billion fortune, made being CEO of the popular eBay auction site, garnered their immediate attention. Not much was known about her, but she advertised herself as a savvy businesswoman who knew how to read a balance sheet, unlike the incumbent. Concerns were brushed aside that her message was much like that of Arnold in 2003.
Her major opponent in the primary was Steve Poizner, as insurance commissioner the state’s only sitting GOP statewide officeholder. Also a high-tech entrepreneur, his multimillions didn’t match her 1.4 billions. He did force her to the right on immigration and other issues, which some critics later said was the reason her campaign faltered. Actually, he did her a favor by forcing her to abandon her aseptic campaign a little and get down in the mud wrestling match of real politics."
California 2010: The Year in Review
California 2010: The Year in Review: "
