The governor’s race is more than a-year-and-a-half away but the field of candidates is growing quickly.  Another one made it official today (Monday 02.09)

Capital Public Radio's Steve Shadley reports...

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You can add former Ebay Chairwoman Meg Whitman to the growing list of GOP candidates for Governor.  Whitman has officially announced she’s creating an exploratory campaign committee.
 
So has fellow republican…state insurance commissioner Steve Poizner.  Former Congressman Tom Campbell is also a possible republican contender. 
 
Given the recession…rising unemployment…and California’s budget mess…you might wonder why anybody would want the job?
 
University of Southern California Political Science Professor Sherry Bebich Jeffe says it’s clear… 
  
  
“Why would someone want to get into this morass?  There are many factors…ego…the desire for power…the desire to help…”
 
On the democratic side…a slew of candidates MAY seek the office.  They include:  Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi…San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom…state attorney general Jerry Brown…State Schools Chief…Jack O’Connell and former state controller Steve Westly.
 
Jeffe expects the 2010 governor’s race will be the most expensive in state history.