You know how petition drives go. Until all the sheets are gathered in one place and counted, the precise number of signatures is difficult to determine. In time the exact number will be known. Based on the petitioning success in other states, I have little doubt that the AZ requirements will be met. From news reports, Internet comments, and personal contact with one paid petitioner, I know that paid petitioners have been used in several states.
Some people suggest that paid petitioners make the drive less real or somehow illigitimate.
Given the obscene and unfair legal restrictions the Demcorats and Republicans have placed on citizens who wish to form third parties, I am glad Mr. Perot is paying to get the petition job done where it is necessary to do so. This helps level the playi ng field. Once we elect our own Reform Party candidates we can change the laws to make elections fair for all people. Until th en, it does little public good to critizize paid petitioners. Thank you for your questions which gave me this opportunity to share this information.