Dems help put GOP underdog on ballot

• Reprints

Updated: March 9, 2012 8:21AM

INDIANAPOLIS — Republican Jim Wallace is relying on the kindness of Democrats to get on the ballot in his run for governor.

A pair of Marion County Democrats signed his petition to get on the ballot Tuesday shortly before a noon deadline according to a petition obtained by the Associated Press. Indiana State Teacher’s Association lobbyist Nancy Pappas collected the signatures Tuesday.

Wallace is running against Rep. Mike Pence in the May GOP primary for governor.

Pence has heavily outraised Wallace and has the backing of the state’s Republican establishment.

Democratic candidate John Gregg said he had nothing to do with the signatures and was unaware Democrats were helping Wallace to get on the ballot.