(Susan) Collins (R) gives GOP convention an earful on (Tom) Allen (Maine) [View All]

[jpak]

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=185414&ac=PHnws

AUGUSTA — Sen. Susan Collins took a few pokes at her all-but-certain Democratic re-election challenger and mocked Sen. Barack Obama's troubles in his presidential bid as she turned up the volume of rhetoric Saturday from the Maine Republican Convention podium.

Collins, who is seeking a third term in the Senate, contrasted her record in Washington with that of Allen, Maine's six-term 1st District congressman and the odds-on party favorite to challenge her in November.

But the top-of-the ticket Maine candidate also drew a distinction between her party and the Democrats by pointing to Obama's efforts to distance himself from the Rev. Jeremiah Wright following Wright's inflammatory statements from the pulpit.

"When Republicans distance themselves from their pastor, they do it by sitting in the back of the church," said Collins.

<more>