HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Former state Rep. Jonathan Pelto says he likely has failed to collect enough signatures to get onto the ballot as a petitioning candidate for governor.

He said on his website Saturday that his campaign has identified a significant number of signatures that were inappropriately or illegally rejected by local officials. Still, he says he will probably fall short of the 7,500 valid signatures required for the ballot.

He said his campaign would not likely succeed even if it went to court to overrule local actions.

Pelto has been a critic of Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, especially his education policies. He denies wanting to be a spoiler and help Malloy lose.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill announced last week that gun rights advocate Joseph Visconti has qualified for the ballot.