Romney hints that Whitman will be returning to California

Mitt Romney: Getty Images PhotoANAHEIM - Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, speaking at the California Republican Convention, got a round of applause when he mentioned Meg Whitman, the former eBay CEO who is rumored to be considering a run for California governor in 2010.

"Meg would be here this evening if she were not out working for Sen. McCain," Romney said. He reminded the audience that McCain had named Whitman as one of the three people he would look to for advice, an answer he gave at the Saddleback Church forum in August.

Romney then hinted that Whitman, who served as a co-chair for Romney's presidential campaign, would be too busy in California to continue serving as a McCain advisor. "I don't think he'll get a chance to listen to her, because you need her here in California," Romney said.

Earlier in his speech, Romney praised California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, who has already began his campaign for governor. "This is a guy of extraordinary capacity," Romney said. "And you're lucky to have a man of such strength of character and resolve leading your insurance arena."

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