Two self-described independent Ron Paul supporters from Louisiana set up a hot air balloon - with banners touting the GOP presidential candidate - along the highway at the 52 mile marker in Greenville County.

The display caused a backup as far as four miles from the spot south of the Pelham Road interchange past the Highway 14 exit and into Spartanburg County.

The Highway Patrol asked the supporters to deflate the balloon and the duo agreed. Troopers say no accidents were caused, but the spectacle caused a big backup that lasted over an hour.

7 On Your Side photographer Jason Parker talked to the two men who complied with the request from troopers.

"(They) were trying to get people to go vote for Ron Paul," said one of the supporters of the Texas congressman. "We didn't think it was causing too much danger" when asked about the I-85 backup caused by the balloon.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety says the operator of the hot air balloon was issued a written warning for improper lane use because the balloon was set up in the middle of Frontage Road.

The balloon made another appearance Thursday evening during rush house at the corner of Highway 276 and Stone Avenue.