Meg Whitman keeps on inching toward running for governor of California in 2010.
The billionaire former CEO of eBay resigned posts on the boards of three major companies at the end of 2008, one more signal she's preparing for her first run for political office.
Whitman tendered her resignations on Dec. 31 for "personal reasons and time commitment," said her spokesman, Henry Gomez.
She "basically wanted to open her calendar to focus on other things," Gomez said.
Whitman resigned posts on the boards of Procter & Gamble, where she served since 2003, Dreamworks Animation SKG, where she served since 2005, and eBay, where she has served since joining the company as CEO in 1998.
"We've deeply valued the contributions she's brought to the board during her five years," said Paul Fox, a spokesman for Procter & Gamble.
John Donahoe, eBay's president and chief executive officer said in an e-mailed statement, "Her experience and insights will be missed, but Meg will always be a part of the eBay family, and we wish her the very best."
Dreamworks did not immediately return a call for comment.
As a director, Whitman served alongside some of the titans of corporate America, including the current or past CEOs of businesses like Ford, American Express, Pepsi, Viacom, Boeing, Freddie Mac and Archer Daniels Midland.
But serving on the boards of large corporations while running for governor would have created potential conflicts, said Tony Quinn, a Republican political analyst
"Why would she want to remain on those boards (where) she could get drawn into controversies regarding those companies," said Quinn. "Running for governor is a full-time job."
If she does opt to run, Whitman would likely face Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, a near-billionaire himself, in the primary as well as Tom Campbell, a moderate former GOP congressman and state finance director.
Both Campbell and Poizner have opened exploratory committees and are raising campaign funds. Whitman, who could largely self-finance a campaign, has not opened such an account.
Whitman hasn't made her intentions for governor public yet, but the 52-year old businesswoman began making noise in the California political arena last year.
"She's already got a consultant," noted Quinn, referring to Jeff Randle, a former political adviser to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and ex-Gov. Pete Wilson, who is now advising Whitman.
Whitman, who served as a senior adviser to Republican presidential nominee John McCain, traveled with the California delegation at the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul. She also snagged a speaking role before the full convention, courtesy of McCain,
Later, she donated $200,000 to Proposition 11, the redistricting measure backed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and pledged $150,000 to the California Republican Party. Meanwhile, she started making the rounds in the state Capitol.
Whitman said she would consider her options after last fall's presidential election, but has remained publicly quiet since.
On the Democratic side, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and Lt. Gov. John Garamendi are exploring runs publicly. Other potential candidates include Attorney General Jerry Brown, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell, former controller Steve Westly and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Photo: Meg Whitman speaking at the 2008 Republican National Convention. Credit: Brian Baer/Sacramento Bee
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