WASHINGTON – The Maine congressional delegation stressed the need for congressional unity at a breakfast held by the Maine State Society on Thursday.

Both senators and both House members noted how closely the Mainers work together – despite their party differences – on issues such as trying to ensure that the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard survives the Defense Department’s base closings this year.

Republican Sen. Susan Collins, who chairs the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said the shipyard also needs to be protected from attacks.

“I am convinced that our ports represent the greatest vulnerability,” she said, adding that an attack on even a small port would shut down commerce in the country and cripple the economy.

The way the Maine delegation works together should serve as a model for all of Congress, said fellow Republican Sen. Olympia Snowe. As co-chairwoman of the Senate Centrist Coalition, she said it is something she is working toward.

Democratic Reps. Tom Allen and Mike Michaud both said they wished they had a centrist coalition in the House.

“You get so much more done and the quality of the legislation is better” when Congress works together, Michaud said.

Since 1975, the Maine State Society has held a congressional breakfast around the time Congress convenes, said society treasurer Lewis Pearson, 71, who is formerly from Portland and now lives in Falls Church, Va., a Washington suburb.

“The members of the delegation realize that within the society there are people who live and work in D.C. but still vote in Maine, so that’s an incentive for attendance,” he said.

Nearly 50 people attended the $22.50-per-head breakfast in the Russell Senate Office Building. Army Spc. Daniel Wight, who was injured in an ambush while stationed in Iraq, was given a standing ovation.