Seven former California Republican Party chairs have backed Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner's bid for governor in 2010.

Poizner announced the endorsements of those chairs in a press release that included comments from some of them.

Former chair Mike Schroeder said Poizner has been a consistent supporter and backer of party events and causes.

"He has shown his commitment to electing more Republicans to office by helping register more Republican voters," Schroeder said in the release. "He stood tall on the current budget, rejecting new taxes."

Other former chairs who joined the endorsement are Truman Campbell, Tirso Del Junco, John Herrington, John McGraw, Mike Montgomery and Frank Visco.

The endorsements could be seen as a head-off move against other potential Republican candidates. Former U.S. Rep. Tom Campbell (R-San Jose) has formed an exploratory committee to run in 2010, and many believe former EBay CEO Meg Whitman is exploring a bid.

Poizner is scheduled to attend and speak at this weekend's party convention in Anaheim.