On stage with other Dem challengers, Allen continues to make Bush-Collins connection

DSCC Press Conference: Democratic challengers hold a press conferences with DSCC chairman Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)DENVER -- U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ (R-Bangor) seat is just one of a handful of seats that Democrats hope to take from Republicans this year, in order to gain a filibuster-proof majority.

The Democratic challengers, including U.S. Rep. Tom Allen (D-Portland) are linking their opponents to President Bush, playing off the current administration’s low approval ratings.

Tom Allen appeared with five other Democratic challengers Wednesday afternoon in Denver to discuss the importance of taking back a working majority with U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), chairman of the Democratic National Senatorial Campaign Committee.

The other candidates were: Mark Udall (D-Colo.), Tom Udall (D-N.M.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)

When introducing Allen, Schumer said Maine is getting “bluer and bluer.”

“His (Allen’s) opponent, Susan Collins, tries to come off as a moderate…,” Schumer said. “She’s only a moderate when her vote isn’t needed. Rarely will she stand up and be the crucial vote that makes a difference and turns the tide.

In his speech, Allen called this election a “once in a generation opportunity.” He said that since he launched his first television ad two and a half weeks ago, he’s feeling the excitement.

“Change in Washington is a necessity, and people in Maine feel it,” Allen said.

People in Maine are most concerned about heating oil prices, which he links with the Bush Administration’s economic policies.

“(Mainers) are beside themselves worried about the cost of heating oil,” Allen said. “Maine is a middle class, small business state that has not been served well by Republican economic policy.”

He added: “Susan has voted down the line with the Bush economic policies that favored the super wealthy and the big multi-national corporations,” Allen said. “I’ve been voting consistently for the tax breaks for the middle class and not for the very very rich because I knew it made no sense for the State of Maine.”