Carleton S. (Carly) Fiorina is regarded as a potential candidate for an economic job, such as commerce secretary, in the event of a McCain government in the US.

She is also seen as a strong contender for vice-presidential nomination. Fiorina, the former chief executive of Hewlett-Packard has come forward as a high-profile adviser and fund-raiser for McCain, offering the advantage of her business power to his campaign. She is also credited as one of the few high-profile women in the McCain camp.

With the campaigns of both McCain and Obama gaining momentum, the analysts cannot underestimate Fiorina's role in getting increased attention. The media even described Fiorina as a ‘cheer leader for McCain to rattle Obama’. The media attention has also raised questions about her sensational business history.

Fiorina was a top executive at Lucent Technologies before joining Hewlett-Packard. As the chief executive of Hewlett-Packard from 1999 to 2005, Fiorina was considered the most powerful woman in corporate America. She was responsible for the merger of HP and Compaq in 2002.

Thousands of employees lost their jobs or had their cubicles shrunk as a result of the merger and many left the company. In 2003, when the investors shifted their focus from the merger to HP’s receding position in the market, fingers pointed towards Fiorina, who had amassed a fleet of executive jets for her personal use.

A hands-on operations person was the need of the hour in HP, not a high-profile CEO. Although Fiorina never considered an exit, she was left with no choice but to leave. However, she still received a $21 million severance package. She documented her trials and tribulations in her book, Tough Choices.

Fiorina is now seen all over the place supporting McCain in his efforts. With the Americans confused between Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama due to sexist and racist concerns, the political scenario in the US may favour McCain. Presently, at the age of 54, Fiorina is piling up huge amounts of political accomplishments to her credit with higher aims, no less than a vice-presidential nomination.

Good news all round for Lear Jet, then. X

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