Bush may campaign for Arnie

US President George Bush might campaign on behalf of California Republican candidate Arnold Schwarzenegger if it could help tip the balance in a close recall election.

Nearly a dozen officials with close ties to Bush emphasised that he has no plans to do so now. But none would rule it out.

The White House has been at pains so far to distance itself publicly from the volatile campaign.

But behind the scenes, administration officials and other Bush aides spent yesterday trying to discern the state of play in the tumultuous election.

Bush will spend two days in California next week, and officials said they saw no prospect of him campaigning with Schwarzenegger, who served as fitness czar in the White House for the president's father.

“The president believes that this is an issue for the people of California,” White House spokeswoman Claire Buchan said as Bush relaxed at his Texas ranch.

Asked repeatedly whether she could rule out Bush helping Schwarzenegger, she would not answer.

Other officials said they could envision Bush campaigning for Schwarzenegger late in the campaign if it was clear Bush could help push him over the top.

Bush has a strong track record helping carry fellow Republicans to electoral victories. Of the 53 candidates he raised money for in last year’s elections, 37 won.

The White House is also trying to calculate the impact on Bush’s re-election campaign next year. California carries 55 electoral votes, the most of any state.