Ex-HP boss Fiorina running for Senate

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. – Former Hewlett-Packard Chief Executive Carly Fiorina announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate in the California Republican primary, arguing that her business experience makes her the only viable candidate to challenge Democratic incumbent Barbara Boxer.

“If it isn’t obvious to you by now, let me make it official today: I am a candidate to serve you as your U.S. senator,” Fiorina said, speaking to a small gathering of supporters in the Garden Grove warehouse of Earth Friendly Products, which makes home products like phosphate-free detergent.

Fiorina, whose hair was shorn close to her scalp after a nine-month battle with breast cancer, said she expected the race to get ugly. “I have to say, after chemotherapy, Barbara Boxer just isn’t that scary,” she said. “She has always taken the low road to higher office, so get ready. But it’s OK, I can take a punch, and I can throw a punch.”

The Republican candidate called for smaller government, decreased spending and increased transparency. She pledged not to raise taxes and decried the “rabid partisanship” in Washington. She excoriated Boxer’s legislative record and said the Democrat’s positions have killed jobs in California.