ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER - ARNIE'S WIFE GIVES UP CAREER FOR FAMILY

Supporting husband ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER's political ambitions was only part of the reason MARIA SHRIVER put her TV broadcasting career on hold - she also wanted to be a better mum.

The news anchorwoman quit her job at America's NBC network just after Arnie announced his plans to run for Governor of California last month (AUG03), but she claims family commitments had just as much to do with her decision to take a break.

She says, "My main focus is to keep my children's lives normal and get them into school. I've started two kids in new schools so that's important for me.

"They're busy about their homework and their soccer schedules and that's the way I want it.

"I'm taking a leave from my job because it would have been one too many things to juggle."

Shriver, who was supporting Schwarzenegger at a Sacramento, California, voting drive yesterday (09SEP03), has boosted her husband's popularity among women, but he's still lagging behind CRUZ BUSTAMANTE in the Governor race.

Meanwhile one of Arnie's leading opponents, fellow Republican PETER UEBERROTH, has pulled out of the governor's race.