As a result, Perot named retired Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale, who had been awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during ​7 1⁄2 years of captivity as a POW during the Vietnam War, as his "interim" running mate in late March.[16] Stockdale would remain in the position throughout the campaign. A Boston Globe report suggested that Boston University President John Silber was also considered as a running mate.[30] During an Associated Press interview in April, Perot commented that he might begin a campaign before his supporters achieved ballot access in all states.[31] In New York, ballot access appeared to be the most difficult to attain. In a five-week summer period, the campaign would be required to compile 20,000 signatures from non-primary voters, including 100 from each of half of the state's Congressional districts.[32] Perot conceded that he might not appear on the state's ballot, but stated that he may run anyway.[31]