PORTLAND – A federal judge Thursday denied a gubernatorial candidate’s request that he be placed on the ballot with the moniker “People’s Hero” in front of his name.

Phillip Morris NaPier of Windham argued before District Judge Brock Hornby on Wednesday that he legally changed his name in 2002 and that his name should appear on the ballot as “The People’s Hero-Phillip Morris NaPier.”

In his decision, Hornby said the controversy involves a state election and therefore belongs in a state court. Regardless of the decision, NaPier will be on the November ballot, and his identity will be apparent to those who want to vote for him, Hornby said.

NaPier told Hornby on Wednesday that having the “People’s Hero” name on the ballot was a tactic to give him an edge in his long-shot campaign.

Unusual names are nothing new for NaPier, who said his father named him “Phillip Morris” after the maker of his favorite cigarettes. NaPier is a convicted felon who started the organization Felons United.