Another candidate in Senate race

BANGOR – Another independent candidate from southern Maine has thrown his hat into the ring for U.S. Senate.

Herbert Hoffman, 75, of Ogunquit, announced his candidacy Wednesday afternoon at the Bangor Motor Inn. He also made announcements earlier Wednesday in Augusta and Portland.

Hoffman, a retired psychologist, said he decided 16 days ago to run, in part because the Democratic and Republican parties are not serving voters’ needs.

“I am running because I think it is important the country hear what I have to say, especially the people of Maine,” Hoffman said.

Hoffman, a Korean War veteran, is the fifth person to enter the race. Republican Sen. Susan Collins is hoping to keep her seat but is being challenged by Tom Allen, a six-term Democratic congressman from southern Maine. Democrat Tom Ledue of Sanford and independent Laurie Dobson of Kennebunkport also are running.

Hoffman cited three main positions to his campaign platform. He favors impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney, who he said were guilty of “high crimes and misdemeanors.” He wants to withdraw troops from Iraq immediately, calling the war there “illegal and immoral.” He supports universal, single-payer health care coverage.

The money being spent on the Iraq war could be better spent on improving infrastructure and education and on developing sustainable energy projects, all of which would boost the economy, he said.

“Our nation is in crisis,” Hoffman said. “Impeachment is the only tool in Congress that can stop this march toward fascism.”

Hoffman acknowledged he has an uphill battle to get elected but said in Augusta that he is confident he can gather the 4,000 voter signatures he needs by May 27 to have his name appear on the November ballot.

More information on Hoffman is available at www.hoffmanforsenate.us.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.