"Our second phase, and our ultimate goal, is the November ballot," the group said in a statement.

Sean Johnson, spokesman for the nickname supporters, said his group will "keep plugging away" on the second referendum no matter what happens during Tuesday's primary. He predicted the vote would be close.

Some schools quickly removed their American Indian-themed nicknames when faced with NCAA pressure, and others such as Florida State survived the edict by getting approval from namesake tribes. However, there was no such consensus among tribal leaders in North Dakota.

No nickname backers have held out as long as Fighting Sioux boosters, though school officials have long given up the fight and in fact are promoting a vote to retire the name.

Tim O'Keefe, executive vice president