The Big Bang Theory co-creator Bill Prady reflects on running for California governor in the 2003 recall election

Variety

Prady received 474 votes in a field that included Diff'rent Strokes star Gary Coleman, Hustler publisher Larry Flynt, porn star Mary Carey, comedian Gallagher, former Major League Baseball commissioner Peter Ueberroth, Ariana Huffington and the eventual winner: Arnold Schwarzenegger. "I paid very little attention to the recall until a newspaper article pointed out that the requirements to appear on the ballot as a replacement candidate were the very low primary standard: $3,500 and sixty-five signatures," Prady tells Variety. "For $3,500 and sixty-five signatures, I could forever be 'former gubernatorial candidate Bill Prady.'" Prady adds: "I got 474 (votes). Four hundred and seventy-four people stood in a polling booth, looked at the ballot and said, 'By golly, I think this Prady fellow has the moxie and gumption it takes to run this damn state.' Well, that’s what I said when I voted. Don’t know exactly what the other 473 people said."