Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today named Sen. Abel Maldonado as his choice for the state's next lieutenant governor on "The Jay Leno Show."

Maldonado (R-Santa Maria) may still face a confirmation battle in the Democrat-controlled Senate. The moderate Republican would finish the term of John Garamendi, who won a Congressional seat.

Maldonado has backed Schwarzenegger on key votes, including casting the 27th vote needed to end the longest budget impasse in state history in February.