Obama to Headline Big Fundraiser

Money Will Help Party's Bid to Defeat GOP Legislators This Fall

Sen. Barack Obama, possible presidential candidate, at the White House; his appearance in Virginia marks recognition of the state's competitiveness. (By Rich Lipski -- The Washington Post)

RICHMOND, Jan. 5 -- U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, a possible presidential candidate next year, will be the featured guest at a major fundraiser for the Virginia Democratic Party next month, his spokesman said Friday.

The Illinois Democrat will speak to 2,000 donors and activists at the party's annual Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner here.

The first-term senator's participation comes as he considers running for the White House, a prospect generating a lot of buzz among Virginia Democrats, and as national Democratic Party leaders recognize that Virginia has become more competitive, especially in the northern suburbs.

James Webb upset Sen. George Allen (R) in November, and Democrats have won the past two elections for governor. The $165-a-ticket dinner is designed to help the party raise money for its efforts to unseat Republican legislators this fall. The GOP controls both houses of the General Assembly.

Robert Gibbs, Obama's communications director, said the senator is eager to help Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) and the state party.

"Sen. Obama is an admirer of Gov. Kaine's and believes that Gov. Kaine is somebody who demonstrates that working together to get something done is not just a slogan," Gibbs said.

Because Obama could announce his plans as soon as this month, his speech at the fundraiser at the Richmond Convention Center could prompt a lot of discussion about Virginia's role in the presidential race.

Virginia's Democratic presidential primary has been held relatively early in past elections, before any candidate had the nomination locked up.

In 2004, Sen. John F. Kerry of Massachusetts, then-Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina and retired Army Gen. Wesley K. Clark spoke at the Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner, which was held days before the primary.

Kerry easily won the Virginia primary, and Clark and Edwards dropped out of the race shortly thereafter.

If Obama enters the 2008 race and stays in it until the primary Feb. 12, Virginia Democrats say, he will probably be a major factor in the state's nominating contest.

"Barack is an exciting, substantive, inspiring speaker and leader. He has to be at the very top of potential candidates," said Del. Brian J. Moran (D-Arlington), chairman of his party's caucus in the House.