Lexington attorney Gatewood Galbraith has filed paperwork to officially enter the race for governor.

Galbraith, a perennial candidate and potential spoiler, filed petitions on Thursday to run as an independent against Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear and Republican challenger David Williams

Election officials have already begun a review of Galbraith's petitions, which bear more than 7,000 signatures, and, if no problems are discovered, will likely confirm his candidacy Thursday afternoon.

Galbraith said he expects to pull votes from both the Democratic and Republican parties. He has been courting tea party activists unhappy that their GOP choice lost in the primary.

To get on the ballot in Kentucky, an independent candidate has to collect at least 5,000 signatures. Galbraith began that process last December, after declaring his intent to run for governor.