### Clue: I must support state leader's symbols (7)
### Answer: CADUCEI 
 ### Explanation: Definition: symbols
 I **placed below**(must support, in a down clue) [CA(abbrev. for the US state of California) + DUCE(a leader, from Italian) ].
Answer: Plural for the symbol, derived from the mythological god, Hermes' winged staff and two serpents twined round it.  It is used to represent trades, occupations and undertakings associated with the god, eg. commerce, negotiation, and printing.  It has also come to represent the medical profession, especially in America, probably as a result of confusion, as the god had nothing to do with medicine.