Ah-nold Unlikely To Run In Calif.

Despite months of encouraging speculation about a political career, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger is unlikely to run against embattled Democratic Gov. Gray Davis, aides say.

Instead, the muscleman is said to be enthusiastic about the potential candidacy of his friend, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the two men had scheduled a joint news conference for Monday at which Schwarzenegger was expected to bow out and Riordan to announce his candidacy.

But the event never took place. The newspaper quoted a top Republican as saying Schwarzenegger "wants to pass the baton to Riordan, but Riordan doesn't seem to be quite ready for that."

The Times said Noelia Rodriguez, Laura Bush's press secretary and a former Riordan aide, spent Monday at Riordian's home helping him to put together a possible campaign team.

Others who may enter the race include GOP businessman Bill Simon, who lost to Davis in November; state Sen. Tom McClintock; and former congressman Michael Huffington. His ex-wife, columnist Arianna Huffington, is the subject of a draft campaign but she said she would not run if her ex-husband does.

Davis' job is up for grabs because of a successful, GOP-inspired petition drive to remove him from office. The election is set for Oct. 7 unless legal challenges to the recall process delay or invalidate an election.