Political gurus Adam Mendelsohn and Steve Schmidt have withdrawn their participation in Meg Whitman's political operation, about a month before she is scheduled to decide whether she'll run for governor in 2010.

Mendelsohn confirmed Thursday that he and Schmidt were no longer working with Whitman, in his case because of a busy schedule planned in working with current Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and in Schmidt's case a desire to spend more time with his family and on his business.

Schmidt worked as principal campaign adviser to John McCain's unsuccessful presidential campaign this year.

"Steve has been in constant campaign mode for almost five years," Mendelsohn said. "And my first priority is Gov. Schwarzenegger, and he's got an extensive 2009 agenda."

Mendelsohn said he and Schmidt's decision was in no way a belief that Whitman wouldn't be a viable candidate, if she chose to run.

"I'd go so far as to say that if Dianne Feinstein runs, I believe Meg Whitman gives the Republicans the strongest opportunity to win," he said.

Mitch Zak, another political adviser to Whitman, said he believed Mendelsohn and Schmidt's decision was entirely personal.

He added that if Whitman chooses to run, he's confident that she'll have a top-flight one.