WATERVILLE $ We must end the war in Iraq, provide affordable health care for all Americans, address the energy crisis and change the country's basic economic strategy.

That was the word Monday from U.S. Rep. Tom Allen, D$1st District, who spoke to the Waterville Rotary Club about why he is running against U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in the November election.

Allen spoke to about 70 Rotarians who gathered at Grandeur Sun Banquet & Conference Center off Kennedy Memorial Drive.

He said he voted against entering the war in 2002. About $600 billion dollars has been spent on the war $ money that is needed in other places such as Afghanistan where Al-Quaida is strong.

"Those dollars were needed here at home," he said.

On the energy issue, Allen said he has never seen people so upset and worried as they are about oil. Costs are expected to double for people trying to heat their homes this winter, he said.

"If they spent $2,000 last year, they're likely to spend $4,000 this year," he said.

The middle class is struggling like never before and only with aggressive leadership at the national level will change occur, he said.