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Arnie toys with California's liberation
By Christopher Parkes in Los Angeles
Published: May 26 2003 20:02 | Last Updated: May 26 2003 20:02
Arnold Schwarzenegger, fresh from puffing Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, has turned once again to tantalising Californians with the prospect that his next role may be the state's liberator from the machinations of the Democrats.
But the ageing star, a moderate Republican and scion-by-marriage of the Kennedy tribe, is no clearer now about his intentions than he was four years ago when he first toyed with the idea of running for governor.
He "may" think about a career change after this summer's release, he told TV Guide, the entertainment magazine. But his wife, Maria Shriver, would have to be consulted.
"She has to give the green light and feel comfortable with it, because she moved away from Washington to get away from all that kind of stuff," he told the magazine.
"Our Arnie", as he is known in the state, appears to be intrigued by the current attempt to bounce Gray Davis, elected last November, out of office before his four-year term is up.
If it is to be "Hasta la vista, baby," for Mr Gray, struggling with 25 per cent voter approval, he may feel he has a chance.
Then again, Mr Schwarzenegger, 55, said he was still only halfway through his acting career. The star, whose most recent show business achievement was winning a "Four Martini" award for his Cannes Terminator bash, appears to be keeping his options open.
Whatever the outcome, he will be back.