Arnie Storms The Election

If he'd lost, Arnie would have probably said he'd be back but, fortunately for him, the people of California love his films and they love him.

Schwarzenegger, a Republican, is now in charge of the world's fifth largest economy, despite the small fact that he has no political experience.

But the star of Terminator (and gems such as Kindergarten Cop) has recorded an historic victory over the incumbent Democrat Gray Davis, despite several slurs, made in the last days of his election campaign, about him being a 'groper'.

In a touching Oscar-style speech, the former body builder-turned-actor-turned-politician told his supporters: "I will not fail you, I will not disappoint you, I will not let you down.

"I came here with absolutely nothing and California has given me absolutely everything.

"And today California has given me the greatest thing of all, you have given me your trust by voting for me."

There to bolster the big man's star status were chat show host Jay Leno and Rob Lowe, of the highly successful West Wing, who can give Arnie some pointers on how to act in a political drama.

Ever the gracious winner, Arnie told his supporters to show respect to the defeated Davis, who had been accused of mismanaging the state economy.

Arnie's got several weeks to rehearse for his new role as governor of California.

He is expected to take up his seat of power sometime in mid-November.