Center of Attention: Celebs Turn to Public Office

Nov. 15, 2007 — -- Some celebrities just can't get enough attention.

Having already conquered the world of entertainment or athletics, these folks find that turning to politics for a second dose of the limelight can be an appealing prospect.

It's not a new phenomenon, but in today's information-rich society, celebrities have multiple outlets to stretch their star power into the political realm, either as a politician or as an advocate for a particular cause.

Take Jon Bon Jovi, for example, who had many wondering whether his next headlining tour would be on the campaign trail, instead of the concert circuit, after reports surfaced that he had hired Ken Sunshine, the former chief of staff for ex-New York City Mayor David Dinkins.

While representatives of the singer declined to comment directly to ABCNEWS.com, Sunshine denied any political plans by the star in an interview with the New York Post.

The singer also reportedly kept his New Jersey home, despite having relocated his family to downtown New York, an act some have interpreted as a foreshadowing of a political future.

Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong has also made headlines for his political activity.

In addition to the creating The Lance Armstrong Foundation, which raises money for cancer research, Armstrong testified before the Texas legislature, asking for more funding for the research. Earlier this month, Armstrong succeeded, persuading the state to pass a bill that will now fund a 10-year, $3 billion cancer research initiative.

And, unlike Bon Jovi, Armstrong hasn't denied his interest in public office.

"[Armstrong] feels he's much more effective as an advocate and someone who can draw attention to cancer and help make it a national priority," said Katherine McLane, communications director for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. "But he's also said that when it comes to running for office, never say never."

But Bon Jovi and Armstrong are only the most recent of a long list of celebrities who have dabbled in politics, including of course former President Reagan, an actor before his years in the White House, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who transformed himself from the silver screen's "Terminator" to California's governor.