LOS ANGELES, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to make a primetime speech on the opening night of the Republican National Convention in September, a report said Wednesday.

    The theme of Schwarzenegger's speech at the convention, which U.S. President George W. Bush and vice president will also attend, will focus on the story of the Republican presidential candidate John McCain's life, the Los Angeles Times said on its website.

    Schwarzenegger, a Republican and former Hollywood action star, would bring rare star power to the GOP lineup. He is more moderate politically than the typical Republican convention delegate.

    The California governor earlier said he would not attend the convention if the state budget plan is not in place when the 4-dayconvention begins Sept. 1 in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

    Schwarzenegger is currently negotiating with California lawmakers to end a budget standoff that has lasted nearly two months.