Meg Whitman Joins the California Governor's Race

Meg Whitman, has already put $19 million of her own money into her campaign. She made the announcement before supporters today at an open-air gathering in Fullerton. She also showed the advantage of money in politics, launching ads nine months before the GOP will select their candidate.

Meg Whitman didn't give any new information, however. While reiterating her February stance to cut at least $15 billion more in state spending as well as lyaing off 40,000 state employees (which is bound to garner at least 40,000 for other candidates), she offered no details.

Meanwhile, it also should be noted that fellow candidate and current state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner also has deep pockets similar to Meg Whitman, perhaps previewing a spending spree. A third Republican, former Rep. Tom Campbell, also is seeking the GOP nomination.

Among Democrats, the notable candidates include San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and current Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown. Brown, a former governor, has not formally announced his intention to run. Meg Whitman, with today's announcement, has announced twice.