Val Kilmer told NY Post columnist Cindy Adams that he’s considering running for governor of his state of New Mexico and claimed that he’s been hand picked by current governor Bill Richardson to replace him. Richardson has been the governor of New Mexico since 2003, and hopes to become secretary of state in Obama’s cabinet. At first I thought that Kilmer was overstating Richardson’s endorsement of his candidacy, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. At least he’s realistic about it and says that he knows he’s not qualified.
“There’s sort of a rumor around that I’m maybe thinking about running to be governor of New Mexico? Well, it’s sort of true. It’s been my home 25 years. I really love my state. Poor, hardworking, decent people – Native Americans, carpenters, artists, expats mixed in with hundreds of the world’s smartest physicists at Los Alamos. I’ve always thought of myself as functioning as a candidate for them.
“The media interests me and it’s influenced politicians since the ’60s, and I’m approaching this as a worthy serious endeavor. I would be very comfortable in my position as a representative for the people.”
Val Kilmer? Who was the lead in “Batman Forever”? Moses in “The Prince of Egypt”? Druggy rocker Jim Morrison in “The Doors”? Ladykiller Val Kilmer? Governor of New Mexico?
“People in the state are being supportive. Our current governor, Bill Richardson, who’s hoping to be picked as secretary of state, and whom I’ve seen down in the dirt helping people you know could never help him in return, and whom I love, had a dinner for me and said not to dismiss the idea. Said I could be a great governor…
“After I wrap this film, I’m off to LA to see my kids then home to New Mexico to talk to friends and see what they say. I know I’m not yet qualified for the job. It’s not like I need fame. If that’s what it’s all about, I wouldn’t live in New Mexico. But I don’t want to be a train wreck. I have to see if people will put up the money for my run. I have to think about putting my acting on hold. Being famous as a movie actor is one thing, but they take no prisoners in politics. I have to think what this might do to my kids.
“Or to anybody. I plan to sit down with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Like I had dinner with Jane Fonda years ago and said even though I’m against war and didn’t vote for Bush, I would support anyone who becomes president because I couldn’t let any single person ruin my definition of America. She never invited me back. That’s a bitch because I really liked her.”
[From NY Post’s Cindy Adams via Huffington Post]
This could very well be true and not just wishful thinking by Kilmer. Governor Richardson is quoted as saying in September that “I like the idea [of Kilmer running]. 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 has a reputation of being surly and offbeat in interviews, and he’s a Christian Scientist. Followers of Christian Science do not go to doctors or use conventional medicine. They’re advised to seek out the help of other members when they’re sick who will “help people through the false reality of illness.” There have been many deaths of Christian Scientists and their children who were denied or otherwise refused medical treatment in times of crisis. (Update: former member Noelle below says it’s not as strict with medical denial and that members may seek medical assistance. There are several high profile cases involving deaths of members and their children who could have been saved with medical treatment however.)
Should a guy who doesn’t believe in modern medicine or the scientific method be running the government of an entire state?
At first I was suspicious that Richardson might be a closet Christian Scientist, which could explain his friendship with Kilmer. His biography states that he’s Roman Catholic, though. I did find one site that once listed him as a Christian Scientist, but his name is only up in search results and when you view the source of the site, and has since been removed. Maybe he just genuinely likes Kilmer and thinks he’s a good man for the job.
We may know why Val Kilmer is so buddy-buddy with Cindy Adams at least – she’s also a Christian Scientist.
Kilmer, 48, is currently in Bulgaria working on a film he describes as heavily influenced by the Hitchcock classic North by Northwest.
Val Kilmer is shown on 6/7/08. Credit: PRPhotos.
I don’t think we should knock anyone who is a Christian Scientist. They may be on to something.
That said…I think this would be interesting. I’m going to keep my eyes on it.
Whoa… One second. I grew up a Christian Scientist. I’m now a devout atheist, and while I don’t have a lot of good to say about religion in general, Christian Science really doesn’t deserve to be called a cult. Members are encouraged to use prayer instead of physical medicine, but not mandated to do so. When I broke my ankle, my mom drove me to the hospital and prayed for me while I had surgery, and that’s a pretty typical case. Also, they don’t follow one leader, and the church really doesn’t ask for a lot of money, and as an organization, they almost never play politics.
I don’t really have a problem with it being labeled a cult, but if you do so, you’ll also have to label Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and other not-quite-mainstream Christian religions as such. It sounds like “Scientology,” but it couldn’t be more different.
Oh jeez – My grandmother was a Christian Scientist. She lived till the age of 94. Very healthy and vigorous up till the last couple of years. One day we went shopping and while getting out of the car, she accidentally slammed the car door on her thumb. As luck would have it, the door was jammed and we had to wait for the emergency crew to open it. Her blood was dripping down the side of the car while we waited..and waited for them to arrive. It was over 90 degrees outside and my grandmother was 80+ years old at the time. All she did during this horrific ordeal was tap her foot. No screaming, crying or moaning. She did not decline medical services when they arrived and they bandaged up her broken and badly damaged thumb.
Thanks Noelle and wow, I will change the wording of that and appreciate your perspective on it. My impression was based on media reports and I have changed the way that section is worded.
He used to be so hot. What the hell happened? He looks like he’s been sleeping on park benches or something. Did he attend the Nick Nolte school of personal hygiene?
There are no athiests in foxholes or humvees.
I have to question the judgement of a guy who would risk (and lose) his marriage to an amazing woman like Joanne Whalley for a teenage tart like Drew Barrymore.
I agree w/MSat, he looks like he smells.
haha MSat, I couldn’t agree more. I saw Batman Forever at least 6 times in the theater, and he was so freakin’ hot with Elisabeth Shue in The Saint. There’s nothing wrong with growing older, but wtf Val?
*edit- also, let us not forget him as Jim Morrison, holy shit- I might need to put that in my queue for this weekend.
I really liked what he said to Jane Fonda, that is how I think, you don’t have to believe in the candidate in office, but believe in America.
My father was his dialogue coach while he worked on “The island of Dr Moreau” and found the entire experience really frustrating because in Dads words “He’s as thick as a plank” 😕
Sorry Val
“Should a guy who doesn’t believe in modern medicine or the scientific method be running the government of an entire state”
As long as he doesn’t set public policy based upon his religion, then it doesn’t matter. There are religious people in politics who vote against their church’s beliefs (such as on abortion) because they are carrying out their public duties.
I had no idea he was a Christian Scientist. 😯 Well, God bless.
I really hope Richardson isn’t Obama’s State nominee though. *crossing fingers for an appointment of someone who knows Asia and the Middle East backwards and forwards*
I think old Val should team up with Nick Nolte, Gary Busey and Mickey Rourke and make a movie together.
I rarely ever comment but… oh god no! I live in New Mexcio and Val Kilmer is a joke here. Even though he’s lived here for years he likes to make subtle digs at our state. Notice how he calls New Mexicans “poor”. I would rather move to California with the prop 8 passing bigots than have Kilmer as my governor.
Thanks! My grandpa also lived to be 94, and never saw a doctor in his whole life. I chalk it up to some people just being lucky, but he was a great man and a great grandpa, and I do get defensive about his religious beliefs.
He’s definitely pushing maximum density these days.
I believe that people have the choice to refuse the scientifically proven ways of Western medicine. The Darwinian in me says this is what helps to weed weak mutations out of the population. That’s good, fewer to reproduce. Fewer crazies in the world is probably a good thing, particularly if they’re thinking of running for public office. It’s too bad W didn’t succumb while toting that cross around in Texas all those years ago. The entire planet would be better off.
Love New Mexico, love Val Kilmer.