Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Susan Collins and her Democratic challenger, 1st District Rep. Tom Allen, prepared in different ways over the weekend for their debate tonight in Presque Isle.

The debate is slated for 7 p.m. at Presque Isle Middle School on Skyway Street.

On Saturday all four members of the state’s congressional delegation joined Gov. John Baldacci and other dignitaries at the christening of a new naval destroyer at Bath Iron Works.

Allen attended a fundraiser Saturday evening in Hallowell, according to campaign spokeswoman Carol Andrews.

On Sunday morning Allen attended Mass in East Millinocket. He and 2nd District Rep. Michael Michaud met with union workers in Millinocket and then held a public “conversation for change” at a community lunch at the American Legion Hall in Millinocket.

Late Sunday afternoon, Allen attended a harvest supper at Fort Kent Elementary School before speaking to a meeting of the Maine Snowmobile Association. He then met with union workers at a community dessert at the American Legion Hall in Madawaska on Sunday evening.

This afternoon, Andrews said, Allen is expected to meet with workers at Fraser Papers’ Madawaska mill. The congressman’s wife, Diana, who has been traveling with the campaign, is expected to visit with area senior citizens during the day today.

Collins, pursuing a more leisurely schedule, returned to her home in Bangor after the BIW christening on Saturday, according to her spokesman, Kevin Kelley. On Sunday, he said, she went to church and did some grocery shopping.

Today, Collins will accept the endorsement of the Business and Professional Women of Presque Isle before participating in the debate with Allen. On Monday, Kelley said, she will make stops in communities along the route back to Bangor.