The state's three recognized political parties submitted a combined 11 names for the May 8 presidential primary.
The Libertarian ballot is the longest with six different candidates: Roger Gary, R.J. Harris, Gary Johnson, Carl Person, Bill Still and Lee Wrights. "The Libertarian Party is growing rapidly on both a state and national level," acting party Chairman J.J. Summerell explained.
The Democrats submitted one name: Barack Obama.
Robin Hayes, chairman of the N.C. Republican Party, submitted four names: Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum. The party didn't include Buddy Roemer, the first Republican presidential primary candidate to qualify for federal matching funds. "The list is comprised of candidates whose candidacy is generally advocated and recognized in the news media ..." Hayes wrote.
The State Board of Elections will make the final determination on the ballot names soon.
