Former weightifter endorses McCain

AP - LOS ANGELES - The Presidential campaign of Senator John McCain (R-AZ) received a crucial boost today with the endorsement of Arnold Schwarzenegger, former internationally renowned bodybuilder and subject of the 1977 film, Pumping Iron.

Schwarzenegger, a 7-time Mr. Olympian and 5-time Mr. Universe, endorsed Senator McCain in Los Angeles, where McCain was visiting in advance of Tuesday's California primary. The Austrian-born former Mr. Junior Europe and Mr. Europe said McCain gained his support because of the Senator's position on illegal immigration and his plans for tax cuts.

"As you might imagine from accent, I am an immigrant and I'm also a multimillionaire so John McCain speaks to all of my issues," Schwarzenegger, who was nicknamed the "Austrian Oak", said at a joint appearance with McCain, adding, "Political experience is by far the most important issue for me when voting in an election."

Schwarzenegger's endorsement capped off a successful week for McCain, who, after winning the Florida primary on Tuesday, also picked up the endorsement of former Saturday Night Live guest host Rudy Giuliani.