Fiorina hopes to take on Boxer

GARDEN GROVE -- 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.

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.

Fiorina announced her candidacy in Orange County, home turf of the conservative state Assemblyman Chuck Devore, who is her only challenger in the primary.

Fiorina, 54, has no elective experience but is viewed by some as the strategic choice who would have a better chance taking on Boxer because of her more moderate views and her deep pockets.

Fiorina on Wednesday said critics are mischaracterizing her resume and that her work at HP laid the foundation for the company's current success.

She said her business background and lack of political experience make her a Washington outsider and the only viable Republican challenger. She also has repeatedly apologized for not voting, explaining that it was because she felt unconnected to politicians.

"Shame on me," she said.