NORRIDGEWOCK -- Republican Sen. Susan M. Collins said Tuesday that bringing jobs back to America is the key to a secure future as the nation and the state gear up for a historic election Nov. 4.

Jobs in Maine are part of that big picture, Collins said during a whirlwind tour of the New Balance Athletic Shoe factory.

"I love New Balance, not only because they're great 'sneaks,' but also because it's jobs here in Maine and I love that New Balance has kept its commitment to manufacturing in America and not overseas," Collins said amid the hiss and hum of the shop floor.

"I think they are the last athletic shoe company in the United States that has plants right here in America," the senator said.

"I am for having tax credits for manufacturers who stay here. I think we should reward domestic manufacturers and not have any kind of incentives for people who move jobs overseas."

Collins is remarks came Tuesday as her campaign for reelection winds down against challenger, Democrat U.S. Rep. Tom Allen.