PORTLAND (AP) – Herbert Hoffman, a retired psychologist from Ogunquit, on Wednesday entered the race for one of Maine’s U.S. Senate seats, saying neither of the major-party contestants in one of the country’s most closely watched races has held the Bush administration accountable.

Hoffman, a Democrat for more than 50 years who dropped his party affiliation earlier this month so he could run enrolled, said during an announcement in Augusta he’s confident he will get the 4,000 voters’ signatures he needs by May 27 to appear on November’s ballot.

News conferences to announce his candidacy were also held in Portland and Bangor.

The race between Republican incumbent Sen. Susan Collins and her Democratic challenger, U.S. Rep. Tom Allen, has drawn national attention. Another independent, Laurie Dobson of Kennebunkport, has also announced her candidacy.

Hoffman’s campaign will focus on halting the war in Iraq and guaranteeing health care to all Americans. Hoffman, 75, also wants to redirect military spending to such areas as job creation, infrastructure and education.

“I have a vision that the United States can stop this war and once again claim that high moral ground it once occupied,” said Hoffman, who wants to bring the troops home and stop funding for further occupation.

He called for a single payer, not-for-profit universal health care program.

Hoffman said he is a candidate because his opponents, “by not holding this administration accountable, have not served the people of Maine and our country well.”

AP-ES-02-20-08 1600EST