AUGUSTA - A hearing officer's report would clear independent Senate hopeful Herbert Hoffman for inclusion on Maine ballots in November. His eligibility has been challenged by the head of the state Democratic Party.

Still subject to comment by Hoffman and his challenger, the report by Deputy Secretary of State Julie Flynn says there was insufficient evidence to invalidate enough petition signatures submitted by the would-be candidate to bring him below the requisite number of 4,000 signatures.

A final decision by Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap is expected Monday.

State Democratic Party Chairman John Knutson of Brooklin and his Democratic Party supporters have claimed some of Hoffman's petition signatures were invalid and raised questions about whether petitions were handled properly.

Democrats have nominated Rep. Tom Allen to take on Republican Sen. Susan Collins.