A federal judge in Portland will hear arguments today that quick action is needed to ensure independent U.S. Senate candidate Herbert Hoffman a spot on the Nov. 4 election ballot.

Attorney John Branson, who represents Hoffman and 13 co-plaintiffs in the U.S. District Court case, contends that the Maine Supreme Judicial Court violated his clients' constitutional rights when it ruled earlier this month that Hoffman should not be listed on the ballot.

The state court decision reversed a lower court ruling and upheld challenges mounted by the Maine Democratic Party to some of the signatures on Hoffman's nominating petitions.

Hoffman is running against Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom Allen and incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins for the seat Collins has held for two terms.

Democrats don't want Hoffman on the ballot because they are concerned he will capture votes that would otherwise go to Allen in what may be a close race.

Today's legal arguments are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in U.S. District Court in Portland.

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