It has also allowed the Schwarzenegger campaign to shift course on a number of issues, with little consequence.

The Schwarzenegger campaign takes heart in estimates that more than 270,000 new voters registered in September, with anecdotal evidence that many were motivated by the recall.

Ms. McAndrews said that the Schwarzenegger campaign would not appeal the judge's preliminary injunction and that she expected it would stand.

The Schwarzenegger campaign recognizes its weakness among women voters and the increased visibility of Ms. Shriver, 47, is part of the answer, aides said.

A man like Mr. Alaniz would be a concern for the Schwarzenegger campaign, except that he cannot vote.

Mr. Wilson, a Republican, is a chairman of the Schwarzenegger campaign.

"There'd always been an underground railroad of conservatives in Hollywood, but with the Schwarzenegger campaign they had a cause and were brought together."

The Schwarzenegger campaign noted that half of all donors contributed $100 or less.

The Schwarzenegger campaign confirmed that he had not voted in 13 of the last 21 elections, but said 8 of those were local elections.

Among Mr. Wilson's coterie working on the Schwarzenegger campaign is Bob White, his chief political lieutenant for more than 30 years.