PORTLAND (AP) – Maine’s top elected Democrats continued their verbal barrage of President Bush and his policies Saturday as they sought to unify the party behind John Kerry in November.

In a strongly worded speech to the Democratic State Convention, U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud called the upcoming election “the fight of a lifetime.”

Michaud, who represents Maine’s 2nd District, which has been hard hit by mill closings and hundreds of job losses, said in his prepared remarks he hopes the Republican president “will learn what it’s like to lose a job.”

“Bring it on!” Michaud urged the Democrats. More than 2,500 delegates had signed up to attend the three-day convention, which ends Sunday, at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

First District Rep. Tom Allen devoted virtually his whole speech to the president’s performance, saying Bush’s tax cut plan has not worked, and his Medicare prescription drug law has given insurance and drug companies more money and power.

Gov. John Baldacci dwelled more heavily on state issues he’s confronted during his 16 months in office, including bridging deep budget gaps, establishing a community college system making strides toward universal health care.

Baldacci presented an upbeat message about the state’s future, but saved some fire for Bush, saying the president’s policies have hurt Maine’s environment, hit the state with mandates like No Child Left Behind and blocked attempts by Democrats in Congress to reform health care.