BANGOR -- U.S. Sen. Susan Collins hit the road this morning for a bus tour that will bring her re-election campaign to stops all over Maine in the coming weeks.

Collins, a Republican from Caribou who faces a challenge from Democratic U.S. Rep. Tom Allen, will make stops today in Stillwater, Medway, Oakfield and Houlton.

"I have enjoyed attending recent events and speaking with Mainers all over the state, from Fort Fairfield to Old Orchard Beach, Rockland to Bridgton, and everywhere in between," Collins said in a prepared statement. "Now, our bus tour will officially kick off the campaign and will provide another great opportunity to continue my discussion with people all around Maine."

A spokeswoman for the Allen campaign said the Portland Democrat looked forward to a conversation with Collins on the issues.

"It is our sincere hope that Senator Collins is now ready to discuss the most important issues: making quality, affordable health care choices accessible to everyone, reversing the damage to middle class Maine caused by the Bush economic policies, putting the interest of Mainers over the interest of oil companies, and setting a deadline for withdrawal to bring our troops safely and responsibly home from Iraq," said spokeswoman Carol Andrews in a prepared statement.