US: Arnold Schwarzenegger has named the world's second richest man, financial heavyweight Warren Buffett, as his senior economic adviser as the actor prepares a high-profile run for the Californian governorship.
Late on Wednesday, state election officials certified a final list of 135 candidates after rejecting more than 100 applications as incomplete. It is the longest list of candidates to run for governor in state history.
Mr Schwarzenegger was assured a place in the crowded field that ranged from serious politicians to pornographers. He has received a boost with Mr Buffett on board, pairing a movie star untested in politics with a Wall Street sage, one of America's best known and most respected investors.
"Warren is helping me bring together a world-class team to assist me in addressing the problems and challenges facing businesses, investors and job creators in California," said Mr Schwarz- enegger in a statement. "Warren has a commonsense approach to business issues and an integrity that is unmatched. That's the same way I want to approach governing."
Democrat Mr Gray Davis, unpopular because of the state's fiscal crisis, faces the first recall vote against a California governor in the state's history on October 7th. Should voters recall Mr Davis, Mr Schwarzenegger, who is ahead in polls among alternate candidates, could take over the richest US state.
After considerable publicity since first joining the race a week ago, the former body-builder and top box office draw has in recent days concentrated on putting together his campaign team. He also reported on Wednesday that he had contributed $1 million of his own money to the campaign.
Naming Mr Buffett, whose father served in Congress, could add gravitas to a campaign that has been more glitter than policy.
"I have known Arnold for years and know he'll be a great governor," said Mr Buffett. "It is critical to the rest of the nation that California's economic crisis be solved, and I think Arnold will get that job done." Mr Davis's spokesman, Mr Peter Ragone, appeared surprised by the news. "I don't think people are voting on advisers," he said.
Among the candidates on the final list were Hustler publisher Mr Larry Flynt and a porn actress who is pledging to wire every room of the governor's mansion with live Web cams.