U.S. Rep. Tom Allen said today he will address "the importance of taking care of people here at home" in a brief speech Wednesday night at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

Allen, a Portland Democrat who is running for U.S. Senate against incumbent Republican Susan Collins of Caribou, will address delegates in a 90-second speaking slot between 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

In a conference call with reporters today from Denver, Allen said he will likely focus on the impact of the Bush administration's economic policies, which he said have hurt the middle class.

"This is a time for fundamental economic change," Allen said, contending that Collins has consistently voted for administration policies that principally benefit higher-income Americans.

Kevin Kelley, a spokesman for the Collins campaign, said Allen had voted against tax relief measures that helped middle income Maine families in 2001, 2003 and 2004.

"There are key fundamental differences between Senator Collins' views on taxes and those of her opponent," said Kelley. "Simply put, Senator Collins believes that Mainers pay too much in taxes, and Tom Allen believes that Mainers do not pay enough."

Allen is one of four Democratic Senate nominees who were given time to address the convention. His remarks are scheduled to be broadcast live on CSPAN.