BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - Supporters of the University of North Dakota's Fighting Sioux nickname say the referendum campaign has been tough, and the struggle's not over.
    
Nickname backers turned in more than 17,000 signatures to Secretary of State Al Jaeger Tuesday night, a few hours before the midnight deadline.
    
Unless there are problems with the petition, it should have more than enough names to make it onto the June primary ballot.
    
Spirit Lake Sioux tribal member Eunice Davidson says getting the petition names was hard work.
    
She says the petition itself is a rebuke to the NCAA's belief that the nickname is hostile to American Indians.
    
Former Standing Rock Sioux tribal councilman Archie Fool Bear says the referendum will give Standing Rock residents a shot at voting for the nickname.