So when does Meg Whitman engage the gubernatorial race?

Most of us understand the strategy; Whitman has a war chest of millions of dollars, she has – in most cases – a double-digit lead in the polls and she has the attention of a majority of California voters due to her name and the celebrated success of eBay.

For her handlers there is obviously more to lose than to gain in Meg Whitman attending a debate, conference or forum.

But you have to wonder what the candidate thinks about this strategy. If you were Meg wouldn’t you want to get into the game; is this really her strategy, or is it another form of prevent defense?

For the football fanatics, this is example of playing for field position, don’t do anything that may cause of turnover, just play out the clock and allow the time to run out. In this case, you play ‘not to lose’ versus playing to win the game outright.

The sad result of this strategy is that in politics when you play to run out the clock, you are playing against the voters, not your opponents. The candidate may get a victory, but will the voters get to hear who the victor really is and what they represent?

And many voters are starting to chant, “we’ve been through this before.”

So we ask, when does Meg Whitman attend and participate in debates, conferences and campaign discussions? When does she engage the discussions and the idea sharing?

All I can tell you is that it seems like it won’t be any time soon.

There is a Silicon Valley Leadership Summit being held today; a geographically and ideologically friendly atmosphere for the likes of Meg Whitman. All of the other major players for the gubernatorial race will be present spinning their yarn of political tapestry – everyone except Meg Whitman.

For decades the Silicon Valley Projections Conference has been bringing together business and civic leaders to address the challenges facing the state, and the region. The goal is to clarify solutions that can drive both the economy and innovation – something that is vital to the future of California and her residents.

Meg Whitman is running as a business and private sector friendly leader, where is she? Why wouldn’t the greatly successful Whitman want to offer her new ideas for the future of the state of California? If not for her campaign, then for the good of the state in the midst of a recession.

When I made this statement to the Whitman Campaign, Tucker Bounds stated, “Meg is attending a long scheduled event with Fortune Magazine in San Diego that she has attended for the last five years.  As the only candidate in the race who has consistently opposed tax increases, Meg will be speaking to a group of 400 executives about her her experience as a business leader, her vision for job growth, lower taxes and fiscal discipline in  California.”

This is true, Meg has been good at getting out with the people and speaking with them, but she is still not engaging in combined appearances, debates, conferences and cross-talking sessions. This is where the voters – my listeners – are starting to wonder about the strategy.

Why not start the joint appearances at today’s venue.

Last year a sold-out crowd of 600 people attended the Silicon Valley Projections Conference. They discussed all of the major issues facing California and offered general ideas in addressing the future projections.

Why wouldn’t you want to be a part of an event of such content?

The only things that might fear the candidate’s coaching staff is the media attention, the SVPC does draw the media’s eye, pen and passion. So we are left to determine that Meg Whitman (her coaches) doesn’t want to attend the valuable conference because of what might be reported, what might be stated, or what might be asked?

I think it is time for Meg to call an audible in the huddle, walk up to the line of scrimage and change the play. Tell your coaches that you came into this endeavor throwing the football down the field for points. No more hand-offs up the middle for three yards and a cloud of dust.

I know I want to hear Meg Whitman on the issues. When she has been allowed to call a play she has offered some interesting results – especially her statement that the state government should shrink the workforce by 30,000 workers.

Whitman’s comment was fuel to the budgetary topic in the midst of the February budget battle, a fight that eventually lead to a reduction of government – and I believe her statement helped by providing some needed moxy for the minority party in Sacramento.

When do we get to hear more plays just like that one?

Time to stretch the defense a little. Someone needs to inform Meg Whitman that many a team has lost a sizable lead by playing ‘not to lose’. Just when you think you have sealed the thing up, the opponent starts to catch the momentum and move the football down the field on you.

Playing ‘not to lose’ may seem smart, but in the end the true champions are the ones who engage the race and defeat their opponents by calling plays that got them into position in the first place. I am sure Meg Whitman didn’t play ‘not to lose’ in leading eBay into a success it has become.

Time for a new play Meg, if you don’t like the one from the sidelines call an audible and engage. We are all eager to see you play and see if you have the stuff to lead Team California down the field to victory.