FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - In a move that has helped to organize
supporters, independent gubernatorial candidate Gatewood Galbraith
said Friday he now has the 5,000 signatures needed to get his name
put on the general election ballot in Kentucky.
Galbraith, a Lexington attorney, said he intends to collect
another 5,000 signatures before turning them over to the secretary
of state's office to officially enter the race against Democratic
Gov. Steve Beshear and Republican nominee David Williams, just in
case the opposing campaigns challenge the eligibility of some of
the people who signed.
Last December, Galbraith filed paperwork declaring his intent to
enter the race for governor. Under Kentucky law, independent
candidates also must collect at least 5,000 signatures from
registered voters, which, Galbraith said, isn't as easy as it may
sound.
"There's no doubt; it's a burden," he told The Associated
Press on Friday. "But I understand there needs to be a threshold
so the ballot doesn't become overcrowded. That's the rule in place,
and we're going to comply with it."
Galbraith said collecting the signatures has strengthened his
campaign by energizing supporters and establishing grassroots
organizations in the majority of Kentucky counties.
"It's a natural organizing tool," he said.