Can't speak for Virginia but the general rule of thumb is to have 30% above the required number of signatures here in the People's Socialist RepuliK of Illannoyed in order to survive any ballot challenges.
My own opinion is going in with anything less than that is a fools errand as it's so easy to find bad signatures or duplicate signatures (same signature on different candidate ballots) which are easy enough ti disqualify. In a race like this, it's a whole other game when candidates begin challenging each other's petitions too. In heavily contested races, having 50% more than required is considered safe.
Once again, Perry appears to be taking a hit because of his own staff's incompetence.
Newt actually submitted less signatures than Perry according to the original report. Guess he checked them more carefully.
Sorry, Perry-ites, but there’s no conspiracy here. It’s obviously difficult to get on these ballots, otherwise any old joker could. This is a proper part of the weeding out process. These candidates have had plenty of time and opportunity to drum up support and they couldn’t do it in time. Not saying they can’t make a comeback, but we can’t have just anyone running for president and getting on the ballot or it would be chaos. You need to have some real support behind you to make yourself a credible candidate.
http://freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2824073/posts?page=1
Romney submitted 16,026 signatures; Paul 14,361; Perry 11,911 and Gingrich 11,050.