Linux fan to run against Arnie in California election

An unlikely contender in the bizarre race for governor of California that has seen Arnold Schwarzenegger, bankrupt child actor Gary Coleman and porn publisher Larry Flynt throw their hats into the ring is a young female software engineer promoting the use of open source.

Georgy Russell, is a very un-geeky 26-year-old who works for Veritas and graduated from Berkley with a computer science degree. A Democrat, she has launched a campaign promising the legalisation of drugs, gay marriages and a universal health care system.

One of her heroes is the father of open source, Linus Torvalds, who was himself the subject of a hoax story last week that had him running in the race for Governor and another prong of Russell's election campaign is promoting the wider use of open source software.

Russell's campaign website outlines her election platform, has a link to her weblog, and even contains an online merchandise area selling 'Georgy for Governor 2003' thongs.

In her speeches she targets the disaffected and apathetic young generation, advocating the use of the internet and technology to make a difference.

"While the majority of dot-coms are dead, the internet still thrives. Our generation - the internet generation if you will, can approach problem solving in the government with new ideas and a focus on innovation that older generations can't. We understand the flow of information online, and we are not afraid of trying something new," she said in one of the speeches published on her website.

Voting in the election to replace current incumbent Gray Davis takes place on 7 October.