California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has endorsed Republican front-runner John McCain's presidential bid.
Mr Schwarzenegger announced the backing after touring a LA solar technology plant together with the Arizona senator and former Republican contender Rudolph Giuliani.
He said he was endorsing Mr McCain because of his positions on the economy, the environment and security.
Rudy Giuliani has also thrown his support behind Senator McCain after last night announcing that he was dropping out of the US presidential race.
Mr Giuliani's announcement came a day after he was trounced in the party's primary in Florida, where he had focused his early campaign.
Veteran political activist and consumer champion Ralph Nader said yesterday he was considering an independent bid for the White House.
Mr Nader told reporters he had launched a presidential exploratory committee to see if he could get enough contributions and resources, such as skilled staff, to run as an independent candidate.
