John McCain’s campaign for the Republican presidential nomination gained further momentum on Thursday when he received an endorsement from Arnold Schwarzenegger, the governor of California.

”He is a fantastic public servant and a great American hero,” said Mr Schwarzenegger, who was standing alongside Rudy Giuliani, who also endorsed Mr McCain after dropping out of the race on Wednesday. ”Senator McCain has proven over and over again that he can reach across the aisle to get things done.”