Arnie's campaign hits the airwaves

Trailing in the latest poll for California governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger has hit the airwaves to attack his main Democratic opponent for the first time.

The action film star told a conservative radio talk show that Lt Gov Cruz Bustamente was just like the incumbent, Gov Gray Davis, but “with a receding hairline and a moustache”.

Schwarzenegger, a conservative who is seen as moderate on social issues like gun control and abortion, took to the airwaves as Republican leaders urged other candidates from the party to step aside to improve his chances.

Schwarzenegger said he would not increase taxes to help solve California’s financial woes, but he refused to pledge not to raise taxes.

“I would not increase taxes in order to get the financial situation improved because I think it’s the wrong way to go,” Schwarzenegger said.

His radio appearances came as a Los Angeles Times poll showed Schwarzenegger trailing Bustamante 35% to 22%.

Although Schwarzenegger’s campaign has so far sought to appeal to a cross-section of Democrats, Republicans and independents, analysts say he cannot win without the backing of conservatives.

Schwarzenegger has picked up support from New York Governor George Pataki, and a source close to Rudolph Giuliani said the former New York mayor was also likely to endorse Schwarzenegger.