Arnold Schwarzenegger has spelled out his views on issues ranging from abortion to taxes in a radio broadcast during his campaign for the governorship of California.
Schwarzenegger gave his opinions during a call to a radio show, which was also broadcast live on the Fox Television channel. He described himself as "pro-choice" but said he did not support late-stage procedures described as "partial-birth" abortions.
Bowing to weeks of criticism that the action star's campaign has been all style and no substance, Schwarzenegger's comments were his most detailed so far in his bid to replace Governor Gray Davis in the October 7th recall election.
When asked about gay marriage, Schwarzenegger said he supported "domestic partnerships" but was against gay marriage. He said marriage should be between a man and a woman.
The Republican said he backed legalising marijuana for medicinal purposes, abortion rights, an assault-weapons ban and background checks on gun purchases. He said he was against offshore drilling, gay marriage and granting driving licences to illegal immigrants.
Although his positions on such issues have nothing to do with ending California's financial crisis, which Schwarzenegger has said would be his main concern as governor, they are important because they could help him gain support from the conservative wing of the Republican Party.
Efforts to recall California's governor have been fuelled by voter anger over the state's energy crisis and a $38 billion state budget deficit. The two-part ballot will ask voters whether Mr Davis should be removed, and then ask them to chose from among 135 candidates to replace him if he is.
Asked whether he thought Schwarzenegger would make a good governor, Mr Davis said the Austrian-born actor met the minimal age and state resident qualifications. "Sometimes people want a little more . . . like a little experience," Mr Davis said.
AP