Kaine, Kilgore get big support

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Virginia's gubernatorial campaigns have brought out their heavyweights, with Sen. Barack Obama headlining a Democratic event last night and President Bush hosting a private fundraising dinner tonight.

Mr. Obama, the Illinois Democrat who rose to stardom with an impassioned speech at the Democratic National Convention last summer, appeared with candidate Lt. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine at a Young Leaders Mix and Mingle at the Clarendon Ballroom in Arlington.

"This is one of the most important races in the country," Mr. Obama said. "Virginia, I think, has shown the capacity for Democrats to do well in what is considered a red state."

The event, which drew more than 1,000 people, raised about $50,000, organizers said. After his speech, Mr. Obama gave Mr. Kaine a $10,000 check.

"I don't just talk the talk, I walk the walk, and I want you guys to walk the walk," Mr. Obama told the screaming crowd.

Mr. Bush will raise nearly $2 million for Republican Jerry W. Kilgore at what organizers promise to be a "very intimate" sit-down dinner at the home of Dwight Schar in McLean.

About 100 are expected to attend, donating between $15,000 and $100,000 each.

"This event clearly shows that the party is united behind Jerry, from our local activists all the way up to the leader of the free world," Kilgore campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said.

No major politicians have campaigned for H. Russell Potts Jr., a Republican state senator from Winchester who is running for governor as an independent.

Mr. Bush's appearance tonight contrasts with his notable absence in the 2001 campaign, when the commander-in-chief was criticized for not campaigning for Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark L. Earley.