Democrat Bill Richardson has to step down from the position when his second term ends in 2011 - and he would love to hand over the keys to the governor's mansion to Kilmer.

He says, "I like the idea. Val Kilmer is a New Mexican, he was Batman. You know there have been successful actors going into politics.

"I haven't talked to him about it, I don't know how serious he is, but you know if he jumps in a race he's got name Id, so it can't be discounted."

Kilmer - who is actively involved with the The Wildlife Center of New Mexico - wouldn't be the first actor to become a governor. Hollywood icons Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan have both held the position in California. (c) WENN