California: 2010 Governor's Race

Political gurus Adam Mendelsohn and Steve Schmidt have withdrawn their participation in Meg Whitman's political operation, about a month before she is scheduled to decide whether she'll run for governor in 2010.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

Despite chatter by Silicon Valley gossip mongers that Meg Whitman could be a contender to take over struggling Internet company Yahoo!, a political adviser to the former EBay CEO said it's just that: chatter.

According to the adviser, Whitman is not seeking or interested in the Yahoo! position, which opened up when current CEO Jerry Yang announced earlier this week that he would resign as soon as a replacement was found.

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.

Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner made a public visit Sunday to boost an Assembly candidate in the Bay Area.

Poizner dropped by a phone bank in Pleasanton for Republican Abram Wilson, who's in a tight battle for the 15th Assembly District with Democrat Joan Buchanan.

"I think they were happy to get any help they can right now," said Darrel Ng, a spokesman for Poizner. "He's happy to help out wherever he's needed."