AUBURN – Maine’s two candidates for the U.S. Senate sparred lightly on immigration policy and Iraq, among other issues, at an Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting Thursday.

It was the seventh of 10 scheduled debates between Democratic candidate Tom Allen, a U.S. representative, and Republican incumbent Susan Collins.

In a crowded room at the Hilton Garden Inn, Allen sought to link Collins to the unpopular Bush administration on economic and foreign policy issues, while Collins highlighted the work she has done to help the state, particularly Lewiston and Auburn.

“I’m very proud of the work that I have done with my colleague, (U.S. Sen.) Olympia Snowe, during the past 12 years to benefit this area,” Collins said. “I’m proud of the relationships that I’ve built with the great mayors of this region. … We’ve worked together as a team to secure federal funding for a host of important projects in this area.”

Collins listed the development of the Bates Mill Complex, the Franco-American Heritage Center, the Great Falls parking garage, the municipal airport and Central Maine Community College as examples of how her work has contributed to local development.

She also mentioned the law she authored granting the Lewiston Maineiacs, and other minor league professional athletes, the same immigration status as major league athletes.

During his opening statement, Allen explained why he decided to leave his 1st Congressional District seat to run against Collins.

“I got into this race because I can’t stand what’s happened to this country these last eight years,” Allen said. “On the big issues … we have big differences. I believe she’s been too close to President Bush on those issues.”

Allen cited Collins’ votes to cut taxes in 2001, 2003 and 2006, and her vote to authorize the war in Iraq. In past debates, Allen has accused Collins of reducing taxes for wealthy earners.

“Those four votes put us in a deep hole in this country and obviously affected the state of Maine, as well,” he said.

Over seven years, the combination of the cost of the war in Iraq and the reduction in federal revenue due to the tax cuts totals about $2 trillion, Allen said.

“I think those were the wrong choices for Maine,” he said. “I believe we have to turn in a different direction and it begins with getting the big things right on the federal level.”

Both agreed the economy and energy costs were top concerns for Maine voters and both oppose drilling for oil off the Maine coast. They also agree the state should be a leader in developing alternative energy sources, including wind and tidal power.

Both support federal investment in local infrastructure projects to help stimulate the economy by providing jobs and relief to the already cash-strapped state government.

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