Obama to address Virginia Democrats

Obama to address Virginia DemocratsParty star to speak at fundraising event in Richmond on Feb. 17
Richmond Times-Dispatch Jan 6, 2007
Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, a star in the Democratic Party, will address the Democratic Party of Virginia's annual Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner Feb. 17 in Richmond.
The dinner will be held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center at 7 p.m.
Obama, who is beginning his third year in the U.S. Senate, is considering seeking the party's nomination for president in 2008. With an exotic background and considerable charisma, he is drawing huge crowds as he explores a presidential campaign.
The Jefferson-Jackson Day dinner is the biggest fundraising event on the state Democratic Party's calendar. Tickets start at $165 a person. More than 2,000 people are expected, spokesman Mark Bergman said.
Obama came to Virginia twice during the 2006 election cycle to campaign for Democratic senatorial candidate Jim Webb. Webb scored an upset victory over the incumbent, Republican George Allen.
Obama also campaigned for Timothy M. Kaine during his successful gubernatorial race in 2005.
"As we look to continue our momentum in the 2007 elections, we are excited to have one of the brightest Democratic stars help energize our party," state party Chairman C. Richard Cranwell of Vinton said.
-- Tyler Whitleyhttp://www.timesdispatch.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=RTD%2FMGArticle%2FRTD_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1149192517422&path=%21news&s=1045855934842