NC parties have 11 names for presidential primary

By: Lauren Hinnant | SCNow
Published: February 08, 2012

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RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - More than half of the candidates expected on North Carolina's presidential primary ballots in May come from the Libertarian Party.

The three parties recognized by the state had until Tuesday to file letters with the State Board of Elections to identify their candidates for the May 8 presidential preference primary.

The Democrats have one candidate in President Barack Obama. The state Republican Primary named four candidates - Newt Gingrich, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum.

The North Carolina Libertarian Party listed six candidates - Roger Gary, R.J. Harris, Gary Johnson, Carl Person, Bill Still and Lee Wrights. The party says it would mark the first time it has had a presidential primary in North Carolina.

The State Board of Elections is expected to formally approve the candidates next month.