Nominations have closed in the contingency election for the Governorship of California, USA.
The Democratic incumbent, Gray Davis, is facing a special 'recall' election to vote him out of office because of dissatisfaction at his handling of the state's economy.
The nominations were called for in an election which will only take effect if the recall vote is passed.
A total of 158 people met Saturday's 5.00pm deadline (midnight Irish time), though an official tally will not be published until later this week.
Among them is Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt, 61, who submitted his check for $3,500 and a list of 65 supporters to qualify for the ballot.
Millionaire Republican businessman Bill Simon and independent candidate Arianna Huffington also registered in Los Angeles for the vote.
Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger leads his closest competitor, Democratic lieutenant governor Cruz Bustamante - who opposes the recall but is seeking to replace Gov Davis if voters oust him - by 25% to 15%.
He has the support of President George W Bush.
Larry Flynt and Ms Huffington are predicted to poll just 4% each, while Mr Simon, who lost the election to Govr Davis last year, would poll 7%.
Other colourful candidates have put their names forward in what is an increasing bizarre political situation.
They include porn actress Mary Carey, who wants to swap guns for sex films to reduce violence, and Angelyne, a billboard queen who wants to improve roads to avoid damage to her pink sports car.
