Ralph Nader and a state constitutional proposal to ban gay marriage will both appear on the November ballot, after two Michigan Court of Appeals rulings.

The group Citizens for the Protection of Marriage had filed more than 400,000 signatures to place the marriage ban on the ballot, and nearly 50,000 signatures were collected to put Nader on the ballot as an independent candidate.

The Board of State Canvassers tied, 2-2, on whether to accept signatures for both issues last month, resulting in lawsuits at the court.

"We were fortunate to have judges that interpreted the law rather than rewriting it," said Marlene Elwell, chairwoman for the Citizens for the Protection of Marriage.

The Nader camp also was pleased with the outcome.

"We're glad to be on the ballot," Nader spokesman Kevin Zeese said, but added that the camp still sees the independent spot as a fallback position to the Reform Party.

Nader first attempted to earn a spot as a Reform Party candidate, but was blocked by Michigan Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land after confusion erupted with two groups claiming to be the party. The issue was taken to the U.S. District Court in Detroit where the judge ruled against Nader on Wednesday.

Zeese said the campaign has appealed the decision and still is pursuing the Reform Party as an option.

Nader's name on the ballot upsets some Democrats, who are worried his presence will pull votes away from Democratic candidate John Kerry.

Mark Brewer, the Michigan Democratic Party's executive chairman, could not be reached for comment Monday.

Brewer said in a statement that the efforts by Nader and the Republicans, who gathered many of the signatures, disrupt the election process and confuse voters.

Zeese said Nader would like to turn the focus away from the ballot issue.

"It's time for us to debate the issues and stop the name-calling," he said, adding that unemployment, health care and low-paying jobs are all issues Nader would like to address in Michigan.

"Nader will be coming to Michigan," Zeese said. "It's an important state."

Kerry spokesman Rodell Mollineau said the Democratic campaign will not be altering its strategy in Michigan as a result of the court's decision.

"We can't be deterred," he said. "We're pushing our issues and why John Kerry and John Edwards will be better for Michigan.

"We have to stay focused on winning the race."

Staff writer Kris Turner contributed to this report.