PORTLAND – Backers of independent presidential candidate Ralph Nader have submitted what they say is far more than the minimum number of petitions they need to place his name on the November ballot in Maine.

Campaigners for Nader and running mate Matt Gonzalez say they filed petitions containing 7,000 signatures – or 3,000 more than the required minimum – to the Secretary of State’s Office on Friday.

The campaign says Maine will be the 30th state in which the longtime consumer advocate has filed for a ballot line.

Nader would be the fourth presidential candidate on the Maine ballot, along with Democratic, Republican and Green Party nominees.

Nader petition organizer Ben Chipman says the 7,000 signatures turned in today will thwart any attempt by the Democrats to challenge Nader’s candidacy in Maine.