CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Supporters of independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader turned in petitions to the Secretary of State's Office today with the signatures of thousands of state residents who support placing his name on the West Virginia ballot.

With the additional 7,500 signatures submitted today, supporters believe they will surpass the 15,118 valid signatures of state registered voters to place Nader's name before West Virginians in November. Already, they have turned in more than 17,000 names and almost 12,000 that have already been validated by the 55 county clerks across the state.

Albert Marino, state Nader campaign coordinator, said the group has found Nader's single-payer health plan to be popular with West Virginians, along with ending the Iraq war and increasing spending for infrastructure and education.

They also said Nader has agreed to campaign in the state, though no dates have been set.

"This is a state we're going to try to win because the other candidates aren't giving it much attention," said Thomas Hanson, a Nader supporter.

Candidates representing the Constitution and Libertarian parties are also trying to obtain the required number of signatures to get on the West Virginia ballot. The last day to submit petitions is Aug.1.

With the additional 7,500 signatures submitted today, supporters believe they will surpass the 15,118 valid signatures of state registered voters to place Nader's name before West Virginians in November. Already, they have turned in more than 17,000 names and almost 12,000 that have already been validated by the 55 county clerks across the state.

Albert Marino, state Nader campaign coordinator, said the group has found Nader's single-payer health plan to be popular with West Virginians, along with ending the Iraq war and increasing spending for infrastructure and education.

They also said Nader has agreed to campaign in the state, though no dates have been set.

"This is a state we're going to try to win because the other candidates aren't giving it much attention," said Thomas Hanson, a Nader supporter.

Candidates representing the Constitution and Libertarian parties are also trying to obtain the required number of signatures to get on the West Virginia ballot. The last day to submit petitions is Aug.1.