Val Kilmer ponders run for NM governor in 2010

[a kennedy]

By DEBORAH BAKER

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) -- Fresh from the inauguration, actor Val Kilmer is pondering running for governor of New Mexico in 2010, when Democrat Bill Richardson's second term ends.

"I'm just looking for ways to be contributive," Kilmer told The Associated Press on Thursday. "And if that ends up being where I can make a substantial contribution, then I'll run."

But there's no decision yet.

"It's really day to day," he said over tea at a local restaurant.

Kilmer, 49, grew up in Los Angeles but has called New Mexico home for more than two decades. He's currently registered as a Democrat and said he cast a ballot for Barack Obama from Bulgaria, where he was filming.

A Kilmer candidacy could throw a monkey wrench into the well-oiled Democratic machine of Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, who's already running for the job.

Kilmer's screen credits include Batman in "Batman Forever" in 1995, brash fighter pilot Lt. Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky in the 1986 hit "Top Gun," and rock icon Jim Morrison in the 1991 Oliver Stone film, "The Doors."

Kilmer said if he ran it wouldn't have to be a conventional campaign. While the actor decides, he's getting out and about and has been listening to people - something he says he's pretty good at.

"What I do for a living is listen," he said, making a bold prediction: "If I run, I'm going to be the next governor."

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/P/PEOPLE_VAL_KILMER?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=US

[Fabio]

1. Oh god no.

[Hugabear]

2. He's a Democrat, and he can't possibly be any worse than Ah-nuld

Is your opposition based primarily on the fact that he's an actor without any real experience in government?

If so, then how do you feel about Al Franken as a Senator?

[gauguin57]

3. Val Kilmer is actually an ass. I've heard stories of people who've acted with him ...

... and he's known to be selfish ... tries to throw the other actors off during scenes, just to get his jollies. He's essentially a has-been actor (probably alienated everyone in Hollywood ... no one wants to work with him) so now he wants to be governor?

And as for Al Franken ... at least he had a radio show on which he discussed the issues, in great depth, every day. A lot of people who go into government don't have a lot of experience in government. I can't remember a candidate who's run against our local congressman in the last several elections who had much government experience at all.

[vaberella]

4. You don't have a clue if that is true.

You're basing your statement on rumors and running it as though it's a bloody fact. Let's get real here and I figured we'd give people the chance to talk about their plans before running them off. Do you know how many people did that to Obama when he was running? Those who listened then came to see he seemed sincere and so far he hasn't disappointed me. I may not be keen on actors, but one doesn't know how substantive he is yet to make any rumor-mongering declarations.

[gauguin57]

6. Several years ago, a respected theater prof. in our region, who did summer stock with Kilmer ...

said Val had the nasty habit of doing stuff like throwing things at the other actors on stage, doing everything he could to put them off balance during a performance. Because he thought it would be "interesting." If you've ever done theater, you know that that is not INTERESTING, it's just juvenile and UNPROFESSIONAL!

This actor talked to others who had acted with Kilmer, and said this was apparently Val's annoying schtick.
This actor/director found Val very unprofessional. Now, this was probably not too long before "The Doors," and Val may have thought himself quite the hot shit.

Later, the duded got a terrible rep. in Hollywood for a long time for being difficult ... his name became somewhat of a punchline (remember the Val Kilmer line from Kevin Bacon's cameo on Will & Grace?) and an example of a self-engineered failed career.

Now, granted ... this was years ago, and he may have grown out of his selfish behavior. So if you have -- well, sorry to have slammed you, there, Val! You were very good in "Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang."

[Drunken Irishman]

7. Well c'mon now...

What you said could fit any politician. They're almost all selfish assholes.

That's why they're politicians!

[vaberella]

5. I'll give him the benefit ofthe doubt and say good for him but he should run for congressman .

Stay there for a while and then slowly build up so he can understand how politics work.

[wyldwolf]

8. he may be a registered Democrat, but he contributed money to Nader last year

None to Obama...