Poizner takes 1st step in run for governor
California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner took the first step toward a run for governor Monday, forming an exploratory committee to raise money for a campaign to replace fellow Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger.
In doing so, Poizner joins San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and Lt. Gov. John Garamendi, both Democrats, and former GOP congressman Tom Campbell.
Poizner, 51, made a fortune in Silicon Valley and was elected to his statewide post in 2006. He led a successful effort this year to defeat a ballot measure that would have changed the state term-limits law and allowed the Democratic leaders of the Assembly and state Senate to extend their stay in office.
Schwarzenegger is barred by term limits from running again after his term ends in 2010.
-- Michael Rothfeld
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