CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Three days after offering to quit the race, the Republican candidate for secretary of state says he's sticking with his campaign.

Charles Minimah asked incumbent Secretary of State Betty Ireland on Monday to take his place. But the fellow Republican says she's not running.

Minimah also missed last week's deadline for removing his name from the ballot.

But Minimah said Thursday that he thinks he's a better candidate than Democrat Natalie Tennant, and will continue to campaign.

In the race to succeed Ireland, Minimah was unopposed in his party's May primary. Tennant defeated two legislative leaders to win the Democratic nod.

Minimah also said Monday's offer had nothing to do with recent polling in his race against Tennant, a former broadcaster.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Three days after offering to quit the race, the Republican candidate for secretary of state says he's sticking with his campaign.

Charles Minimah asked incumbent Secretary of State Betty Ireland on Monday to take his place. But the fellow Republican says she's not running.

Minimah also missed last week's deadline for removing his name from the ballot.

But Minimah said Thursday that he thinks he's a better candidate than Democrat Natalie Tennant, and will continue to campaign.

In the race to succeed Ireland, Minimah was unopposed in his party's May primary. Tennant defeated two legislative leaders to win the Democratic nod.

Minimah also said Monday's offer had nothing to do with recent polling in his race against Tennant, a former broadcaster.