Whitman tells convention McCain understands economics

State Sen. Abel Maldonado speaks at the Republican National Convention: Getty Images PhotoST. PAUL, Minn. - Former EBay CEO Meg Whitman sounded a theme of economic strength to delegates to the Republican National Convention Wednesday.

Whitman said presumptive Republican presidential nominee U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) understands what creates wealth: free markets, small businesses and lower taxes.

"We think our politicians may be out of touch and out of ideas," said Whitman, a California resident and co-chair of the Victory 2008 campaign for McCain. "That may be true of some, but not Sen. John McCain."

If elected, Whitman said, McCain will rapidly embark on an overhaul of tax laws that will include incentives to buy health care, cutting taxes on businesses and simplifying the tax code.

Whitman painted McCain's Democratic opponents as too eager to raise taxes as way to show their compassion. McCain, she said, is smart enough to know that prosperity comes from keeping money in taxpayer pockets, and keeping government from spending more than it collects.

She also touched on energy independence, saying the Arizona senator would pursue an energy plan that included new offshore drilling, expansion of nuclear energy, exploration of alternative energy and more conservation.

"Energy independence must be our nation's moon shot," she said.

Electing McCain, she said, is an endorsement of making one's own choices and decisions.

"John McCain understands that you know what's best for your money, for your community, for your family and for your life," she said.

"When Americans have faith during great hardships, they've written America's greatest chapters," Whitman said, before she concluded:

"When American people cast their vote, they will do what they have always done: They will choose country first," an echo of McCain's campaign theme.

Whitman is believed to be a possible gubernatorial candidate in California in 2010. Another possible candidate, former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, was scheduled to bookend Whitman's speech after attendees saw a video promoting McCain's economic strategy.