Quinn and Whalen both say that Schwarzenegger could be useful to Bush in other Western states, particularly in Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. "Arnold has something that translates in every state," Whalen said. "He can raise money and draw cameras."

But for Schwarzenegger's efforts outside California to be credible, they would have to be part of some greater Bush campaign effort to appeal to more moderate voters. Quinn, for one, doesn't see that happening. "They've made no particular overtures to the more libertarian and socially liberal voters because there isn't any way they can get them," he said.

If Schwarzenegger doesn't assume a larger role for Bush, Whalen said he may make time to campaign for more moderate Republicans elsewhere -- say, Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Specter -- in order to win federal financial support for California that he hasn't yet achieved from the Bush administration. "He needs to find new ways to put pressure on the federal government," Whalen said. "One of those ways is to collect IOUs and chits on the campaign trail. If he can go out and campaign for senators, he can do it with the unexpressed understanding that they will show their gratitude later."

Schwarzenegger has taken that approach with Bush, and he hasn't been subtle about it. In February, he said that he could help deliver California for Bush if Bush would help deliver federal funds to California. "If the federal government does great things for California this year," he said during an appearance on "Meet the Press," "President Bush can have California and be reelected."

Schwarzenegger wants help from Washington in immigration costs, military base closings and Medicare. Bush hasn't delivered, and Schwarzenegger seems ready to return the favor.

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