Another independent is jumping in to the Senate race to challenge headliners Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican, and U.S. Rep. Tom Allen, a Democrat.

Herb Hoffman, a 75-year-old psychologist from Ogunquit, came to the Statehouse Wednesday to announce that he’s running for the seat as an independent. A former Democrat, and Dennis Kucinich supporter, Hoffman said he’s confident he can get the 4,000 signatures he needs to get on the ballot.

He called the war in Iraq “immoral and illegal,” said he believes in universal health care, and said “preservation of the Constitution” is the most important part of his platform.

As he stood in front of a large professionally made sign that said “declare your independence,” he said the nation is facing a crisis.

“As an independent, I have an independent voice,” he said.

Hoffman said he’s got more experience than the other independent in the race, Laurie Dobson of Kennebunkport.

There’s more about Hoffman on his Web site, hoffmanforsenate.us.

NJ Senator backs Allen
Senate candidate Tom Allen will get the backing of New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg, a Democrat, at a press conference set for Thursday in Portland.

The men will speak out against contractors who profit from the war in Iraq, according to the Allen campaign. Allen has worked to hold contractors accountable by supporting efforts to create a commission to investigate contracting practices.

“There is simply no excuse for allowing Halliburton and other contractors to rip off taxpayers while failing to serve our troops,” Allen said in a statement.