GUBERNATORIAL HOPEFULS RUN GAMUT OF STYLES.

Byline: Rachel Uranga Staff Writer

NORWALK - While the spotlight shone on pundit Arianna Huffington and Hollywood action star Arnold ``the Terminator'' Schwarzenegger as they filed papers to run for governor, the sideshow Saturday also included a parade of candidates ranging from a North Hollywood adult film actress to a Cal State Northridge film student and a 100-year-old hospital volunteer sponsored by the 99 Cents Only store.

``With everything getting so crazy with the recall, you have to participate,'' said Tamila Jensen, ``the Taminator,'' a 56-year-old Granada Hills lawyer who filed to run as a Democrat.

Before the deadline at 5 p.m. Saturday, dozens of others also paraded past a throng of television cameras and reporters, and made their campaign pitch before entering the Los Angeles County Registar-Recorder's Office to file the required 65 signatures and pay $3,500 to garner a spot on the Oct. 7 ballot.

Some came dressed in eye-catching ways, from the actress who wore a tight, low-slung black mini-dress to an artist fully clad in electric blue from his cowboy hat to his Nikes.

``This is a performance art piece,'' declared Trek ``Thunder'' Kelly, 33, a Venice Beach artist running as an independent.

``For me, it's re-engaging the public into politics,'' added Kelly, who opposes recalling Gov. Gray Davis. ``I am running to defeat the recall.''

His sentiments were echoed by a handful of other aspiring governors.

William James Tsangares, owner of a Hollywood novelty shop, carried a wad of cash and a picket sign with foot-high red letters that read: ``Recall Arnold'' and, on the other side, green lettering that proclaimed: ``Save Democracy.''

Decrying the recall process, he started plucking out $20 bills and began handing them out to onlookers, reporters and anyone who would take them.

``My point is that money is not important,'' he said, calling for voters to defeat the recall.

For the first time in California history, an election to recall the governor has qualified for the ballot. If a majority votes to unseat Davis, he would be replaced by the candidate who gets the most votes in the winner- take-all election.

Mathilda Karel Spak, 100, spryly ambled up the steps with her cane. She said she remembers a time when women couldn't vote for president.

``(California) is the worst that I have seen it,'' she said. ``We have to get busy, and get (this state clean) and stop spending wastefully.''

Matt Lecke, 22, a CSUN student with experience in student government at Burbank High School, said he wants to use the campaign as a learning opportunity.

And candidate Lynda Toth said the groundswell of interest in running for governor means democracy works.

``Some people called it a circus, but it's democracy in action,'' said the Westwood Democrat and communications trainer.

Rachel Uranga, [phone]

rachel.uranga(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1 -- 3) Adult film star Mary Carey, left, signs an autograph before heading into the registrar's office to file her candidacy papers. Below, Mathilda Karel Spak, 100, speaks to reporters before filing her papers to be a gubernatorial candidate in the recall election. Bottom left, gubernatorial candidate William James Tsangares, declaring money is no object, hands out $20 bills to reporters in Norwalk.

Tom Mendoza/Staff Photographer

John Lazar/Staff Photographer