Former EBay CEO Meg Whitman has hired a political relations firm and tapped John McCain campaign advisor Steve Schmidt for a possible 2010 gubernatorial run, according to the Los Angeles Times.

A Times story Monday on the race to replace Arnold Schwarzenegger made note of Whitman's perceived interest in the job, and noted that with a personal wealth estimated as high as $1.7 billion, she might not need to engage in extensive fundraising.

Whitman also chaired Schwarzenegger's successful re-election bid in 1996 and served on McCain's failed presidential campaign this year.

Former U.S. Rep. Tom Campbell (R-San Jose) and Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner have opened exploratory committees to run as Republicans for the state's top political post.

Several Democrats, including Lieutenant Gov. John Garamendi and Attorney General Jerry Brown, are also expected to run.