The chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia says he followed the law when it comes to certifying presidential candidates.

Pat Mullins issued the statement Wednesday, a day after Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry's campaign filed a lawsuit challenging Virginia's ballot rules. Perry named the state Republican party and the State Board of Elections in the lawsuit.

Perry and rival Newt Gingrich came short of the signatures required to get on Virginia's March 6 primary ballot. Only former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Rep. Ron Paul of Texas met the requirement.

Virginia requires a total of 10,000 signatures, with 400 from each of its 11 congressional districts.

Mullins says his responsibility as chairman is to certify candidates who meet the requirements, and he did so. He refused to comment further.