SAN FRANCISCO (Aug. 14) - Former Green Party presidential candidate Ralph Nader was hit with a pie as he endorsed party member Peter Camejo for California governor.

The show of political support at the Green Party's San Francisco headquarters took an unscripted turn Tuesday when a prankster burst into the room and slammed a cream pie into Ralph's face. The culprit fled through a side door.

Camejo later suggested the pie assault was the work of Democrats who may feel threatened by the Green Party's "growing popularity".

Members of the Socialist Party suggested that it was probably a joke and Peter Camejo might need to develop a sense of humor. Alternatively, as Socialist Party of Oregon Chair Michael C. Marino put it, "He sounds paranoid. I am not a member of the Democratic Party, but if I had been there and had a pie handy..."

Before the pie incident, Ralph said California voters should take advantage of the unprecedented gubernatorial recall. He asserted that Camejo understands the state's fiscal crisis better than other candidates, although Ralph gave no indication that he had spoken to any of the other candidates or otherwise how he might be making his comparison.

Chelsea Clinton could not be reached for comment.