Clinton defends California governor

Clinton (left): Campaign is "not funny any more"

Former US President Bill Clinton has stepped in to boost support for California's embattled Governor Gray Davis, who faces a vote next month on whether to remove him.

"Don't do this," Mr Clinton told a congregation at the predominantly black First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Los Angeles on Sunday.

"I am imploring you: don't shred your constitution. Don't shred the fabric of government."

Mr Clinton is among several high-profile Democrats who have agreed to campaign for Mr Davis this week, including Al Gore, Jesse Jackson and several presidential candidates.

He's a larger than life figure... I think he'd be a very valuable asset on the campaign trail Howard Dean Democrat presidential hopeful on Clinton

"It's California I worry about. I don't want you to become a laughing stock, or the beginning of a circus in America where we throw people out for making tough decisions," Mr Clinton said.

Correspondents say Mr Clinton remains a divisive personality, despite having recovered some support among Democrats who shunned him in the wake of the White House sex scandal.

At a campaign stop in Iowa on Saturday - a key mid-western state in the 2004 presidential election because of its early party caucuses - thousands of loyal Democrats welcomed Mr Clinton with signs saying "We miss you".

The 7 October ballot in California will have two parts, asking voters whether they want to recall Mr Davis and to pick a replacement.

Let's say, 'Hasta la vista, baby,' to those guys Arnold Schwarzenegger

A Los Angeles Times poll published on Friday found 50% in support of the recall, with 47% saying they would vote to keep Governor Davis in office.

Mr Davis and Lieutenant Governor Cruz Bustamante - who have long had a frosty relationship - appeared together on Saturday for the first time since Mr Bustamante announced his candidacy in the recall vote.

Mr Davis has been facing widespread discontent over California's financial crisis.

The leading Republican candidate, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, addressed the California State Firefighters Association on Sunday.

"Let's stop the Davis-Bustamante administration. Let's terminate them. Let's say, 'Hasta la vista, baby' to those guys," he said, echoing the character he plays in the Terminator films.