These are actual people, including of course the "stars" from Hollywood (Arnold S., Gary Coleman, Gallegher (yes the watermelon smashing guy), Larry Flynt, several porn stars) who took out papers to run for governor of the largest state in the union:

Matthew Korb, who's taking a hard look at running for governor, wants all California voters to see his butt. It's an important part of his campaign, he said, and it's also the highlight of his new TV ad.

Candidate Michael Popkey, a 42-year-old unemployed cabdriver from Santa Cruz, [says]... I don't want [his mother] to find out... She goes on and on and on about things. If I win, then I'll tell her.

Paul Barrier, a self-described "genuine psychic" from Novato, is pondering a bid. He's against carpool lanes.

Nelson Hyde Chick of San Francisco is pondering, too. More precisely, his beagle DJ is pondering it, because DJ would be the candidate.

Lynn Sauer, a woman from San Jose who is pregnant, is building a campaign on what she calls the "buy-one-get-one-free" plan.

Leonard Padilla, a professional bounty hunter, has paid his $3,500 and is running for real. He would bring his six-gun to Sacramento and send illegal immigrants "back to their own countries."

The new road to 15 minutes of fame: the abuse of democracy run amok.