A top anti-tax crusader praised actor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday as the gubernatorial candidate best equipped to rejuvenate the state’s struggling economy.

Jon Coupal, president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, made a pitch for the Republican front-runner at a luncheon hosted by the Tuesday Forum, a group of Contra Costa women business and political leaders.

Speaking at the Renaissance ClubSport Hotel in Walnut Creek, Coupal said the state needs a fiscally responsible executive in the governor’s mansion, and Schwarzenegger fits the bill.

“Some of my Republican brethren have trouble with his social positions,” he said. “But if your primary issues are economic issues, I think you are going to be pleased with this person.”

In an interview later, Coupal acknowledged the association chose to support Schwarzenegger over state Sen. Tom McClintock because members think the actor has a better chance of winning.

“At the end of the day, you not only need a fiscal conservative, you need someone who can come out on top,” he said. “I would be as surprised if California elected McClintock as if Utah elected Ted Kennedy,” the veteran Democratic Massachusetts senator.

McClintock is the only other top-tier Republican in the race. Many Republicans worry the two could split the party vote and clear the way for Lt. Gov. Cruz Bustamante to win the Oct. 7 election should Davis be recalled.

Speaking before the group, Coupal highlighted Schwarzenegger’s anti-tax credentials. He said the association decided to support Schwarzenegger because of his “unequivocal support” of Proposition 13, the 1978 voter-approved initiative that reduced and capped property taxes. In fact, Coupal said, Schwarzenegger’s conservative indoctrination began during meetings with association founder Howard Jarvis that same year.

Some conservatives raised their eyebrows when billionaire investor Warren Buffet, whom Schwarzenegger consulted on economic matters, suggested that the state raise property taxes. Coupal said the former body builder would never take such a position.