NBC: Arnold to Announce Governor Intentions on Jay Leno Show

LOS ANGELES – Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger (search) will end days of suspense and announce Wednesday on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (search)" whether he will run for governor in the Oct. 7 election to recall Gov. Gray Davis (search), NBC officials said Thursday night.

The network announced the actor's planned appearance in a statement noting Schwarzenegger is "a frequent guest and friend" of the show.

"While an abundance of rumors about whether or not Schwarzenegger will join the historic race for the governor's office have been circulating in the past week, next Wednesday viewers will finally get an answer from Schwarzenegger himself," the statement said.

Schwarzenegger political consultant Sean Walsh told The Associated Press, "He will have an announcement this coming Wednesday," adding it would be on Leno's show.

The actor and talk show host are old friends, and Schwarzenegger last appeared on "The Tonight Show" on the show in June to promote his new movie "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (search)."

NBC didn't say what Schwarzenegger's answer about a candidacy would be, but an adviser to the actor said late Thursday night that Schwarzenegger is still leaning against running.

"He has not made a final decision, but nothing has changed about his leaning against," said the adviser, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The adviser said it was also possible Schwarzenegger might make a statement before the show, adding he would then elaborate on it when he speaks with Leno.

If Schwarzenegger doesn't run, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan said he would seriously consider entering the race. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, who funded a recall petition drive, is the only declared Republican candidate.

Candidates have until Aug. 9 to get on the ballot.

Schwarzenegger's advisers have said a key factor in the actor's final decision is possible opposition from his wife, Maria Shriver, the television journalist and niece of Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy. She is said to be concerned about the demands of a campaign on the couple, who have four children ranging in age from 5 to 13.