Arnold Schwarzenegger Distances Himself from Paris Hilton Plea

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HOLLYWOOD - California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is keeping coy about Paris Hilton's chances of a pardon, insisting it's "premature" to comment on her chances of escaping jail.

The desperate socialite, who was sentenced to serve 45 days in jail last week after violating terms of her 2006 drunk-driving arrest, has teamed up with a pal to pioneer an online petition begging the politician for a pardon.

The appeal, which is addressed to Schwarzenegger, claims "the American public who support Paris are shocked, dismayed and appalled by how Paris has been the person to be used as an example that drunk driving is wrong."

However, Schwarzenegger's press secretary, Aaron McLear, says the governor has received no formal request to consider a pardon.

He adds, "It would be premature for the governor to become involved in any case until the individual has exhausted their judicial remedies."

Hilton's lawyers filed a notice in court last Friday of their intention to appeal her sentence.

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