BREWER — When Republicans gather in Dallas this afternoon for their midterm convention, Maine Sen. Susan Collins won’t be among them.

Collins told reporters Tuesday that she does not attend national political conventions when she is running for reelection. Instead, she prefers to stay home on the campaign trail.

“It’s much more important for me to be traveling the state, meeting with constituents, hearing their concerns and talking about my record,” she said.

Collins faces former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, a Democrat, on the Nov. 3 ballot. The race is considered one of the most competitive in the country.

Back in June, President Donald Trump announced the convention in Dallas, a move designed to increase turnout for the midterm elections in which the party in power typically loses seats in Congress.

The convention is scheduled to run from 4-10 p.m. today and Thursday, with Trump scheduled to speak both nights.

While speaking to reporters in Brewer on Tuesday, Collins said many of the Republicans facing tough races will not be in attendance.

“I think you’ll find that a lot of candidates, particularly those of us who always have substantial races, will not be participating,” she said. “This is not new for me. Whenever I’m in cycle I do not go to the convention because I don’t want to take the time away from campaigning in Maine.”