There is a tradition of Hollywood actors becoming governor of California, with Arnold Schwarzenegger having followed Ronald Reagan’s example. Now the other well-known Californian industry wants to get in on the act.

Carly Fiorina, the former chief executive of Hewlett-Packard, announced this week that she will seek nomination as the Republican challenger to Barbara Boxer, a California senator, next year. Meg Whitman, the former head of Ebay, is campaigning to succeed Mr Schwarzenegger as governor.