(2003-08-08) -- Gubernatorial candidate Arnold Schwarzenegger (who is a Republican) said today that he's running for office because he wants to "give back California."

"Instead of defending our borders against illegal immigrants," he said, "let's just secede from the Union and give back California to Mother Mexico."

California was a province of Mexico from 1821 until the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American war in 1848. It didn't officially join the United States until September 9, 1850.

"We would get more jobs through NAFTA, end the arguments about bilingual education, reduce our taxes and finally have authentic Mexican restaurants," said Mr. Schwarzenegger.

The candidate's campaign staff said the bodybuilder-turned-actor has "lots more great ideas like that."