Reiner will not run for governor in 2006

[j_shady]

(12-07) 18:11 PST San Francisco (AP) --

Director Rob Reiner said Wednesday he will not be a candidate for governor in 2006, putting to rest rumors of a potential "Meathead vs. Terminator" showdown with Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

"I've made a definite decision that it's not something I'm going to do," Reiner said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press.

Reiner, the director of hit films that include "When Harry Met Sally" and "A Few Good Men," said concerns about his family and a desire to focus his political energies on passing a ballot initiative establishing universal preschool for California children had persuaded him to stay out of the governor's race.

"My kids are young, and we've all decided this isn't a good time for me to do this," Reiner said. "My focus is the kids of California, and my own kids."

Reiner and his wife, Michelle, have three children