Arnie puts off political decision

Schwarzenegger has been promoting his latest film in Japan

Terminator 3 star Arnold Schwarzenegger has put off a decision over whether to run for governor of California until after he has finished promoting his latest film.

The 56-year-old former Mr Universe will not announce whether he will run for office until the film has opened around the world, a political aide said on Thursday.

"Arnold is concentrating on his movie work right now and won't make any decision on whether to run until Terminator 3 has opened in all foreign markets," said his political advisor George Gorton.

The film, which has already opened in the US, is due to open in overseas territories between 20 July and 10 August.

Mr Gorton said there was no indication the star would definitely make his decision immediately afterwards.

Schwarzenegger is widely tipped to the be the Republican's candidate to depose the Democrat's Gray Davis, who is six months into his second term.

Early elections

Opponents of Governor Davis were earlier this week claiming a victory after trying to force early polls.

They said they had gathered 1,088,646 signatures from voters demanding fresh elections, many more than the 897,148 needed. Another 300,000 could be returned by the end of the week.

This could mean elections could be called for as early as October or November, though they are likely to be put off until March 2004.

Schwarzenegger has made no secret of his wish to run for the office of Republican governor in California.

The actor has delighted crowds in the Far East this week

On a recent trip to US troops in the Gulf, he likened the leadership vacuum in Iraq to that of California.

Governor Davis faced the recall ballot amid a devastating financial crisis in the state.

Mr Davis's approval ratings had plunged to 20% as he struggled to control a $26bn (£15 bn) debt which has left the state on the brink of bankruptcy.

Liberal

California has been hit by a dramatic fall in tax revenues from Silicon Valley.

It has also become a victim of energy giant Enron's illegal rigging of the Western electricity and natural gas markets.

Schwarzenegger is a firm supporter of conservative economic policies, but is liberal on social issues, pro-choice on abortion and favours gay rights.