Lowe (centre) will co-ordinate celebrity endorsements

Lowe, who played a White House advisor in the hit TV drama, will be in charge of rallying support among other celebrities.

Schwarzenegger, a Republican, is one of 135 candidates hoping to take over from current governor Gray Davis if voters decide to replace him.

But despite his high profile, a poll has put the Terminator star 3% behind his main rival, Democrat Cruz Bustamante at the head of the field.

Lowe, 39, a member of the 1980s "brat pack" and star of Austin Powers, played White House deputy communications director Sam Seaborn in The West Wing.

He will co-ordinate endorsements and other forms of support by celebrities, Schwarzenegger's spokeswoman Karen Hanretty said.

Lowe could help Schwarzenegger appeal to younger voters

The pair of actors became friends three years ago while on holiday, she said.

Lowe helped rally support and funding for Schwarzenegger's campaign for after-school provisions last year.

He will join billionaire investor Warren Buffett, 72, and former Secretary of State George Shultz, 82, on Schwarzenegger's team.

Republican political consultant Allan Hoffenblum said Lowe's recruitment could appeal to younger voters.

"It's about time he's hired somebody under the age of 70 to advise him on his campaign," he said.

A Field Poll suggested that 22% of voters supported Schwarzenegger, compared with 25% for Bustamante.

Former Diff'rent Strokes star Gary Coleman on the campaign trail

The elections have been set for 7 October.

Meanwhile, former Diff'rent Strokes actor Gary Coleman - also a candidate - has been named as one of the contestants on TV game show Who Wants To Be Governor of California?

He will be joined by 22-year-old porn actress Mary Carey among the five hopefuls on the Game Show Network programme.

The five will battle it out in challenges that could include an obstacle course dodging lobbyists with briefcases of money.