convinced he'll challenge Arnold Schwarzenegger for public office in

California.

The 68-year-old was cheered by supporters including his wife Annette Bening

and Sean Penn as he spoke at a California Nurses Association dinner on Thursday.

But Beatty insists the time isn't right to announce a run for Governor, and

that he's happy just being a thorn in Governor Schwarzenegger's side.

He says, "I've always preferred not to run for public office.

"Instead, you say what you think is the truth and you try to perform a public

service. Running for a public office is another matter. Some time you might

have to do that. I don't really want to have to do that.

"I tell you what I do want to do--continue saying what I think is the right

thing to say."

Republican Schwarzenegger wouldn't comment on his Democrat acting peer's

potential run for office, but did admit he finds it strange that Beatty would

think of opposing him.

He says, "I find it silly, because I respect his work."

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