Val Kilmer for governor?

Val Kilmer ponders run for NM governor in 2010Holy hornet's nest, Batman! The New Mexico governor's mansion?

Fresh from the inauguration, actor Val Kilmer is pondering running for governor in 2010, when two-term Democrat Bill Richardson will be forced from office by term limits.

"I'm just looking for ways to be contributive," Kilmer told The Associated Press on Thursday. "And if that ends up being where I can make a substantial contribution, then I'll run."

But there's no decision yet.As you may know, Kilmer is a small part Native:

Val KilmerKilmer has Scottish, Irish, Sephardic Jewish, Cherokee Native American (from a paternal great-grandmother), Swedish, German and Mongol ancestry.Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Val involved with any civic activities?

Val is an ardent supporter of Native American affairs and an advocate of environmental protection. He supports Lead or Leave, a non-partisan youth political awareness campaign, and Habitat for Humanity, an organization that raises money to to construct house for low-income families. In addition, in May of 1998, Val accompanied and assisted the AmeriCares (the international disaster relief organization) mission to Baghdad. The mission carried nearly 90,000 pounds of medicines and medical supplies for the Iraqi people. In 1999 Val continued his support of Native American culture by producing and directing a promotional video for the Native American Preparatory School.Comment:  For some reason, I thought Kilmer was more like 1/4 Native. The above indicates he's 1/8 or less, which puts him in Johnny Depp/Taylor Lautner territory.

Apparently he's mildly attracted to projects with a Native theme. In addition to his starring role in Thunderheart, he's appeared in The Doors, The Missing, and Comanche Moon.

Thunderheart is one of my favorite Native-themed films, and Kilmer is good in it. He plays a part-Sioux FBI agent who was raised away from the rez and is disconnected from his roots. Since this is roughly Kilmer's background, the casting is excellent. Kilmer is persuasive as the conflicted agent who's only dimly aware of his Native side.

This is what authentic casting is all about, people. You don't choose Kilmer to play Sitting Bull or Geronimo and you don't choose Graham Greene to play George Washington or Barack Obama. When the casting is done right, the actor brings a touch of verisimilitude to the role. The performance has an extra edge or oomph and the production sings.

For more on the subject, see The Best Indian Movies.