After stepping down as President and CEO of eBay, Meg Whitman has brought attention to the online marketplace as she campaigns for governor of California. Ms. Whitman has cited her time at eBay as proof she can lead the state, and has even featured former colleagues in her television ads (link).

But it's not just Ms. Whitman who is bringing eBay into the spotlight. An organization opposed to her candidacy is hoping to shine a negative spotlight on her tenure at eBay. Last week, "Level the Playing Field 2010" said Ms. Whitman was given 200 hours for personal use of the eBay jets in both 2006 and 2007, and are calling on eBay's Board of Directors to make public all records relating to her personal use of the "opulent" corporate jets.

The opposition group is tapping into some eBay themes in their messages, including its very name: until 2008, eBay had promised users it would give them a level playing field on which to grow their businesses, so that individuals and small business could compete against corporate sellers.

And on the LevelthePlayingField2010.com website, the organization brandishes a banner, "Because the California Governor's Office Should Never have a "Buy It Now" Button," a clear reference to shoppers' ability to make an immediate purchase on the eBay site without having to wait for an auction to end.

Level the Playing Field 2010's official name is Level the Playing Field 2010 Against Billionaire Meg Whitman for Governor, a Coalition of Nurses, Faculty and Painters Organizations, and SCN Strategies is powering the opposition research.

The San Francisco Chronicle quotes Averell "Ace" Smith - a political campaign powerhouse who "digs under every rock" - saying, "Meg wants a coronation. We believe the people deserve an election."

eBay will certainly be featured in both sides' campaigning, and whatever your political persuasion, it's bound to be interesting to watch. And as one seller nearly discovered, eBay users have the potential to become Joe the Plumber.