America's hottest new reality show got under way at the weekend as 158 candidates, including an action hero, a former child actor, a billboard pin-up and a sumo wrestler, filed to run for the job as governor of California.

The star names, led by Arnold Schwarzenegger, ensured that county election offices were swamped by cameras, giving candidates a chance to offer a sound bite and a glimpse into their policies. Some had clearly given it more thought than others.

Commentators have denounced the election as a "spectacle bordering on farce" that could have dangerous implications for both the state and the future of national politics.

Perched in her pink Corvette, the busty billboard star Angelyne gave her assessment of what to do about the state's deep financial crisis: "You get the taxes, you pay the bills and you're done," she said.

The comic value of the election, which has reinforced America's view of California as a curious place to live, belies the serious nature of the issues facing the country's most populous state, such as a $38bn deficit and a big shortfall of money for public services.

The October 7 election has two stages. Residents first choose whether to keep the recalled governor, Gray Davis, a Democrat, just eight months into his second term. They then choose whom they would like as a replacement if he is ousted.

Opponents of Mr Davis, frustrated at his handling of the state's finances and energy crisis, gathered 1.6m signatures to get him recalled.

According to a poll by Time magazine and CNN, Mr Schwarzenegger, a liberal Republican, would have a comfortable lead if Mr Davis were to be kicked out, with 25% of the vote, followed by California's lieutenant governor, the Democrat Cruz Bustamante, with 15%.

Others in the running include the Hustler porn magnate Larry Flynt, porn actor Mary Carey, columnist Arianna Huffington and Gary Coleman, who starred in the television comedy Different Strokes.

Mr Davis was yesterday dismissive of his chief rival: "Recycling old lines from old movies only gets you so far."

Mr Schwarzenegger has so far dodged pointed questions on issues such as gay marriages or tax, as he begins the talk show rounds. Asked about the environment, he said people have "nothing to worry about" - he would fight for the environment.

But the former Mr Universe has a lot going for him in a state that is home to Hollywood and disillusioned with professional politicians. Many see his rags to riches immigrant background as a powerful draw. He has also amassed a fortune - he reportedly earned $30m from Terminator 3 - to fund his campaign.

Maria Shriver, his wife and the niece of John F Kennedy, has lent the lustre of America's favourite political dynasty. "He will represent Democrats, independents and Republicans, men and women, all across this state," she told reporters.

John Garamendi, the state insurance commissioner, dropped out of the race under pressure from fellow Democrats and was scathing about the election. "This recall has become a circus," he said. "Every day we move toward more chaos and further from serious contemplation of the fundamental reforms necessary to restore our governmental systems and the reputation of California."

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