AUGUSTA – Maine Democrats, looking to defend and extend past gains at the polls, gathered Friday for a two-day convention to hear from their top-of-the-ticket trio – Gov. John Baldacci and U.S. Reps. Tom Allen and Michael Michaud – and one of the sternest Democratic critics of President Bush, Sen. Russ Feingold of Wisconsin.

“This is a convention where we’re going to clearly demonstrate the differences between where Democrats have leadership here and where Republicans have power in Washington,” Maine Democratic Party Chairman Ben Dudley, a state representative from Portland, said as convention committee work sessions and a crowded training session for campaign workers got under way.

In advance of Saturday’s floor debate at the Augusta Civic Center, the party’s platform committee was considering proposals suggesting a Bush impeachment or censure. Committee Chairman Mike Broderick of Bethel said one or more initiatives could go before the full convention.

Friday night featured remarks by Allen and Michaud, who in prepared texts blasted the Republican president and his congressional allies.

In one partisan exhortation, Allen likened Democratic momentum to the rhythms of the sea.

“Maine people know that tides come in and tides go out,” the fifth-term 1st District congressman from Portland said. “We know the worst tide is a red tide.

“Well, the Republican red tide is rushing out,” Allen continued. “The Democratic blue tide is surging in.”

Second District second-termer Michaud, a longtime millworker from East Millinocket who entered the Legislature 26 years ago, also saw “so-called red states starting to question the wisdom of the direction our nation is being led.”

Michaud, who drove a forklift on his way to the speaker’s platform, closed his prepared speech by adding: “Friends, we offer a different vision for America, and we are presented with a unique opportunity to change the clock. And I believe the rest of America is about to follow Maine’s lead.”

Slated for Saturday were addresses by Baldacci and his underdog challenger for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, anti-corporate advocate Christopher Miller of Gray, and two candidates vying for the party nomination to run against Republican U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, lawyer Eric Mehnert of Orono and organic farmer and writer Jean Hay Bright of Dixmont.

Baldacci gave a brief welcoming speech Friday night, praising the state’s U.S. House tandem and state legislators who supported a minimum wage hike, a new anti-discrimination law and minimum salaries for teachers.

“To me, it’s totally about what Democratic leadership is,” said Dudley, claiming Democratic gains in Maine in areas from job stimulation to health care access.

The convention also, Dudley said, afforded lesser-known office-seekers “an opportunity for them to roll out their message and share what they’re all about.”

At the national level in this off-election year, Democrats have hopes of reclaiming control of the U.S. Senate and House. In Maine, the dynamic is different since a Democrat occupies the Blaine House and Democrats maintain narrow control in the state Senate and House of Representatives.

Feingold’s keynote address is scheduled to close the convention Saturday afternoon.

Jess Knox, the party’s coordinated campaign director, said Friday’s training session drew more people than expected and included numerous new faces.