Porn star Mary Carey demands equal time from Leno

(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-10-21 10:20

Porn star and California gubernatorial candidate Mary Carey, following the lead of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Democratic opponent, demanded on Friday that Jay Leno give her equal time on his TV show.

Schwarzenegger, who is seeking a second term, made an appearance on NBC's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" earlier this month, prompting Democrat Phil Angelides to complain he also deserved airtime.

"More people know that I am running for governor than (know of) Arnold's Democratic challenger," Carey said. "Our polling results have shown my name to be more recognizable than any other candidate in the race."

The star of "Boobsville Sorority Girls" and "Cheerleader School" is running for governor as a write-in candidate and said her name was among the top search terms on Google -- proving she had the popularity to win. She said her request to be on the show was denied.

She attracted wide attention during her first bid for California governor in 2003. In preparation for this year's race she lost weight, replaced her teeth and got new breast implants.

"I just don't think it's fair of Jay to have his friend Arnie on, and not me," Carey said in a statement. "I think Jay would really like me once he got a chance to meet me. And I'd be a better interview since I'm much cuter and speak better English."

Leno has so far declined to have Angelides, who has been criticized even within his own party for a lack of charisma and is lagging in the polls, as a guest on "The Tonight Show."

A spokesman for Leno could not immediately be reached for comment.