CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A former U.S. Senator from Alaska spent Saturday afternoon dabbling in some West Virginia politics.

Mike Gravel signed copies of his latest book at Taylor Books in Charleston, but that wasn't the only reason for the stop.

Gravel gave a ringing endorsement for Jesse Johnson, the Mountain Party candidate for governor in West Virginia.

"I really think he's great," Gravel said. "He's got integrity, and I know he's a long shot here, but I tell you if the people here could understand what he represents and the integrity he brings to office."

Gravel says Johnson is the only candidate in the nation he plans to endorse in this year's election.

The two met earlier this year as Johnson tried to capture the Mountain Party's presidential nomination.

Gravel ran for the Democratic nomination for president, but he dropped out of the race in March. He then joined the Libertarian Party and also failed to capture the presidential nomination.