Ritchie Pursuing Ballot Third Line

CANTON - Republican Patricia A. Ritchie is collecting signatures on an independent petition with the possible intent of gaining a third line on the 48th Senate District ballot, according to Jefferson County Republican Chairman Donald G.M. Coon III.

Mrs. Ritchie's campaign would not confirm Thursday that it was passing petitions.

"We're keeping our options open on that," said spokesman Mark C. Waldick.

Mr. Coon said the Ritchie campaign would not be challenging the Independence Party petitions of her Democratic opponent, Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine. Mr. Waldick declined to confirm that information.

The deadline to file specific objections was Monday. As of Wednesday, the state Board of Elections hadn't received any paperwork.

Mrs. Ritchie will appear on the Republican and Conservative parties lines on the Nov. 2 ballot.

Andrew G. Mangione, a spokesman for Mr. Aubertine, said the campaign was not collecting signatures for an independent line and had "no plans" to do so.

"The senator has secured the support of independent voters through the Independence line," he said.