Transcript of remarks from Allen

Below is a transcript of remarks made U.S. Senate candidate Tom Allen (D-Portland) at the Democratic National Convention Wednesday evening, as prepared for delivery.

I'm Tom Allen. Every day, the first rays of sunlight in America shine on Maine. This year, Maine can help lead our nation to a brighter path.

Diana and I welcomed our first grandchild, Charlie, six months ago. If he lives to be 92, Charlie will see the dawn of the 22nd century. What kind of country are we building for him, and for your children and grandchildren? To meet our moral responsibility to them, we need bold leadership for change in Washington.

Great challenges lie ahead. Skyrocketing health care costs are crippling small businesses and bankrupting families. Mainers are struggling to pay their home heating oil bills this winter.

The Bush economic policies have undermined the promise of America that here everyone has a reasonable chance to get ahead in life.

Barack Obama and these Senate candidates will make the right choices to deliver the change we need for our generation and for Charlie's. We'll solve our energy crisis. Provide affordable, quality health care to all Americans. And bring our troops home from Iraq so we can address problems here at home.

Decades from now, I want Charlie and his generation to know that together, we delivered the change that America needs.

Thank you.