AUGUSTA — Maine’s top Democrats drew cheers from hundreds of party activists Friday, vowing to reverse the losses of the 2010 elections with victories this fall.

“We can make sure we win back Congress, we can win back the (state) Legislature and we can send back Barack Obama for four more years,” said 1st District U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree.

“The last two years have been very difficult for our party,” said 2nd District U.S. Rep. Mike Michaud, who warned that Republicans will fight hard to keep control. “Maine Democrats know something about how to win tough fights.”

Pingree and Michaud headlined Friday’s opening day of a three-day Maine Democratic convention at the Augusta Civic Center.

More than 1,000 delegates are expected to attend the weekend-long unity rally to hear speeches by party leaders and congressional candidates, as well as take care of the business of electing national delegates and national committee members.

With Democrats unified behind Obama’s re-election campaign, there was no battle for control of the convention like the one between Ron Paul and Mitt Romney supporters at last month’s Republican convention in the same hall. Maine Sen. Barry Hobbins, D-Saco, was routinely elected chairman of the convention as planned.

The only angry rhetoric Friday was aimed at Republicans, and especially at Gov. Paul LePage, who had been cheered at the GOP convention for his efforts to cut social service programs.

“I think that (Republican) convention helped to unify this convention,” said Rep. Peggy Rotundo, D-Lewiston, as delegates filed in Friday afternoon.

State Democratic Chairman Ben Grant said the party is more energized. “Twenty months after our worst defeat, we have turned things around and we are ready to take Maine back in 2012,” he said.

Maine Sen. Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, fired up the crowd with a red-meat speech about Democratic values and about fighting Republican policies that hurt working people, children and seniors.

“Since Paul LePage and the majority have been in power, we’ve seen children, women and the elderly targeted,” Jackson said. “Well I’ve got a message for you, Paul LePage. You may have pulled up the ladder after you climbed it, but the opportunity should be in place for everyone … Brothers and sisters, we are going to go forth and we are going to win in November and when we do, we will make damn sure the ladder is available to everyone.”

Pingree and Michaud, both of whom are seeking re-election this fall, said it’s critical for Democrats to take back control of the Maine Legislature. The Republican majority is cutting taxes for the wealthy and using the revenue loss as an excuse to cut programs for working families and the poor, Pingree said. “There’s a tremendous amount at stake in this election,” she said.

Pingree and Michaud also said they are working to put a Democratic majority back in Congress.

Pingree, who did not mention her re-election race, said Republicans are trying to restrict abortion rights, overturn health care reforms and eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency.

Michaud said he is fighting for veterans services and for a bill that would require America’s military uniforms to be made in America, something that could create shoemaking jobs in Maine.

“Despite the gridlock, I’m continuing to work hard for our values,” he said.

Michaud referred to his likely Democratic opponent, Maine Sen. Kevin Raye, whose family owns a mustard-making business. He said his opponent recently said Michaud’s record doesn’t cut the mustard.

“Let me tell you this, I relish the opportunity to put up my record of fighting for hardworking families against his record of fighting for special interests any day of the week. He’s got a lot of catching up to do if he’s going to be beat my record.”

On Saturday, Democrats will hear from the party’s four candidates in the June 12 U.S. Senate primary. They also will hear a keynote address from Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, who is considered a potential presidential candidate in 2016.