Signature Count

This graph was posted at Vox Galliae, from a larger version at Le Figaro. It shows the number of signatures obtained to date by the major candidates, excluding Sarkozy. The tallest bar represents the 4000 signatures for Ségolène Royal. Two observations: first, Le Pen does not have 500 signatures, hence his reliance on help from Sarkozy to get on the ballot. Vox Galliae points out the absurdity of a candidate who made it to the second round in 2002 not being able to get even to the first round without help from a rival. Second observation: Philippe de Villiers has more than I realized - 450 signatures, more even than Le Pen. This is good news. Is there a chance he'll make it to the first round?

This graph was posted at Le Figaro and the figures were obtained through questionnaires to the candidates. Some did not return the questionnaire. On the far left are, fittingly, Olivier Besancenot with 455 and José Bové with 420. Both men are extreme leftists. Then comes Arlette Laguiller of the Lutte Ouvrière Party (extreme Left also) with over 500. At the far right is Philippe de Villiers. Le Pen is third from the right. I know nothing about the other names on the graph. The PCF (French Communist Party) and François Bayrou (UDF Party) apparently saw fit not to respond.