Why Is Meg So Cheap?

What's the big question today in the alternative reality that is the campaign for governor of California?

Naturally, the question is: Why is Meg Whitman, who is spending a record $120 million plus on her campaign, so cheap?

The question is being asked in two contexts.

The first has to do with her former housekeeper, Nicky Diaz Santillan, who has gone on the record to accuse Whitman of employing her and mistreating her (albeit without much evidence of the latter). Whether Whitman was right or wrong to let her go in 2009 when Diaz Santillan disclosed she was an undocumented immigrant, one wonders why Whitman didn't give Diaz Santillan a generous severance that would have kept her quiet. The Calbuzz bloggers even suggests a few numbers.

The second context is campaign fundraising. Whitman has more than enough money to fund her own campaign. And she's been trying to argue that her wealth gives her independence. So why has she raised more money from people and companies who want things from the state? As the LA Times reports, Whitman has raised more than Jerry Brown, a fact likely to compromise her claims not to be beholden to anyone as she takes office.

What's the right answer to these questions?

On the first, Whitman's failure to pay Diaz Santillan might have been based on legal advice; still, that doesn't mean stiffing Diaz Santillan was the right decision.

On the second, Whitman's fundraising is justifiable and may even be wise.

By raising money, she's taking some cash off the table that could be used against her. And she's also developing important links to the Republican fundraising base that could be useful to her as governor.

What do I mean by that? For example, if Republican legislators are refusing to go along with her on key votes, one way for a Gov. Whitman to pressure them would be to call their donors -- who now, because she raised money, would be her donors.

Let us know what you think. Comment below, send us your thoughts via Twitter @PropZero or add your comment to our Facebook page.

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