[img_assist|nid=1403|title=Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=170|height=227]California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner confirmed that he's very interested in a possible 2010 run for governor, adding he'd do so on a platform of returning a culture of innovation to the state's business climate.

"My passion is focused on making California the innovation capital of the world," he said. "We're on the verge of losing that."

Poizner, commissioner since 2006, is the highest-ranking elected Republican from California attending this week's Republican National Convention. He is a co-chair of the state GOP's delegation.

He described California's business climate as unfriendly to innovation. "We need to bring the people who are innovators from around the world," he said. "That's what we need now."

Poizner also said he believes U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin are a strong ticket for the Republican presidential nomination that should appeal to many California residents.

"People in California want problem solvers," he said. "With McCain and Palin, you've got reformers leading the ticket and taking on entrenched interests."

Poizner added: "Talk is cheap. Actions are what count."

He said he sympathized with Palin, who revealed Monday that her 17-year-old daughter is pregnant to fend off Internet rumors.

"Being in politics can be painful for a family," he said. "She's a fantastic mom, and I'm confident she'll know how to do best for her daughter."