Kilmer tipped to become New Mexico governor

Val Kilmer is tipped to become the next governor of his home state of New Mexico, by the politician currently in the hot seat.

Democrat Bill Richardson has to step down from the position when his second term ends in 2011, and he would love to hand over the keys to the governor's mansion to Kilmer.

He says: "I like the idea. Val Kilmer is a New Mexican, he was Batman. You know there have been successful actors going into politics.

"I haven't talked to him about it, I don't know how serious he is, but you know if he jumps in a race he's got name ID, so it can't be discounted."

Kilmer who is actively involved with the The Wildlife Centre of New Mexico, wouldn't be the first actor to become a governor. Hollywood icons Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan have both held the position in California.