Star Ducks Out of Poll Debate

Arnold Schwarzenegger came under fire yesterday for refusing to debate with other candidates for governor of California on television last night. The actor, who is running as a Republican candidate in the recall election on October 7, will take part in only one of the three debates.

The first, billed to take place in Walnut Creek, in the north of the state, was due to feature the incumbent governor, Gray Davis, who is out to persuade voters not to recall him, and five rivals: Tom McClintock, a conservative Republican state senator; Cruz Bustamante, the Democrat lieutenant-governor; Peter Ueberroth, a moderate Republican businessman; Arianna Huffington, an independent columnist and Peter Camejo of the Green party.

Schwarnezegger, who is being advised by former aides to the last Republican governor, Pete Wilson, said he would only take part in the September 17 debate if all questions were available in advance. He said the voters would have ample chance to hear his message at rallies and on radio and television.

Mr Ueberroth said: "The voters deserve to hear all of us. Being part of this debate shows respect for the voters and the process."

When he launched his campaign on the Tonight Show, Schwarzenegger said he would not take money from "special interests" because he had enough of his own funds. Since then he has accepted large corporate donations, brushing aside questions about whether they constitute "special interests".

He has also been criticised for refusing to say how he would solve the state's financial crisis without raising taxes.