The buzz heightened after the actor and the Orange County sheriff got together last weekend to shoot a commercial supporting a California ballot initiative to fund after-school programs. At one point, they reportedly began talking politics.

"We did talk to Arnold recently. And we did talk about running for statewide office," Assistant Sheriff George Jaramillo said.

The "Terminator" star has hinted for years that he's interested in a possible run for governor, but his spokeswoman said the November ballot initiative was the focus of his discussions with Carona and other sheriffs during production of the commercial.

"Arnold hasn't been discussing running for office recently with anybody. He's focused on the initiative right now," Sheri Annis said.

Carona has talked to several people about possible political opportunities, Jaramillo said.

"Even before the Samantha Runnion tragedy, Carona was seen as an up-and-comer. We've had contact with several people with several ideas," he said.

Republican pollster Adam D. Probolsky said a Schwarzenegger-Carona team would be a powerful one.

"I've met Arnold Schwarzenegger. I've heard him speak. I like what he has to say," Probolsky said. "The sheriff sure has had some recent media exposure, obviously born out of tragedy, but certainly he handled his job and his office well.

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Associated Press