The once and future mayor?

John McCain, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have attracted considerable attention as the final three 2008 presidential candidates, though political realities now appear to have trimmed it to a two-man race. But another trio of candidates for another office pack some star power of their own — and deliver an entertaining reminder that California's merging of politics and show biz didn't start with former Gov. Ronald Reagan or end with current Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The "mayor" of Hollywood (California, not South Carolina), a mere district of the city of Los Angeles, is chosen not by registered voters but by that community's Chamber of Commerce. Still, that honorary leader wields significant power by helping decide who joins Hollywood's "Walk of Fame" and presiding over its induction ceremonies.

The job is now open due to the death early this year of 28-year "Mayor" Johnny Grant at age 84. The Los Angeles Times reported that three front-runners have emerged for the unpaid post: Angelyne, whose fetching form has graced Hollywood billboards for nearly three decades and who remains a prominent local spectacle in her pink Corvette; Gary Owens, former "Laugh-In" announcer and longtime radio star; and "Let's Make a Deal" producer/host Monty Hall.

Despite Mr. Hall's reportedly feigned protest that he will accept the job only if Franklin D. Roosevelt returns as president, he's the logical choice. His successful eight-year stint as "mayor" in the 1970s and his persisting vitality at age 86 make that clear.

So, in light of the $25,000 entrance fee required from (or for) new Walk of Fame members, does Mr. Hall's ample deal-making experience.