Questions welcome for gubernatorial debate

Former EBay chief Meg Whitman and state Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner, the two Republican candidates for governor, will debate Monday in Costa Mesa for the first time.

The event, which is sponsored by New Majority, a locally founded Republican political group, will be streamed live at NewMajorityDebate.com Questions from the public can be submitted in advance to moderator@newmajoritydebate.com.

Whitman and Poizner are the only two Republican candidates interested in the governor’s job. State Attorney General Jerry Brown is the only Democrat looking to take over for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is termed out.

Whitman’s stated goal is to run California more efficiently, like a business, while Poizner promises to be tough on crime and illegal immigration.

Larry Higby, chairman of the New Majority California, said the purpose of the debate is to give all Californians the opportunity to learn about the two candidates.

Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor hasn’t announced any endorsement, but is happy to have the two Republican candidates in Costa Mesa.

“It’s always good to have a good debate, especially for the governor’s race,” he said. “And I’m glad they chose Costa Mesa.”

The debate will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Samueli Theater in the Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.

KNBC political reporter Conan Nolan will moderate.