A Superior Court judge in Augusta says he'll rule next Tuesday on a case that could determine whether an independent U.S. Senate candidate's name will appear on Maine's November ballot.

The Maine Democratic Party on Thursday afternoon challenged a decision by Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap that validates independent Herbert Hoffman's petitions to be on the ballot.

A lawyer for state party leader John Knutson argued in court that Hoffman, as a sworn petition circulator, was not present when three voters signed petitions, so the entire petition sheets should be voided. That's important because it would reduce Hoffman's total signatures to below the minimum needed to get on the ballot.

Democrats are concerned that Hoffman, a retired psychologist from Ogunquit and former Democrat, could draw votes away from their party's Senate nominee, Rep. Tom Allen. The Republican candidate is incumbent Susan Collins.

A lawyer defending the process says there was no evidence Hoffman misrepresented his belief that was present for the petition signings.