RICHMOND -- Barack Obama's ability to win votes as a presidential candidate remains to be seen. But the Democratic senator from Illinois proved again Tuesday night that he can excite an audience.

About 500 people filed into a stuffy Richmond art center for an Obama campaign fundraiser hosted by Gov. Tim Kaine's political action committee. Obama, a leading contender for the 2008 Democratic nomination, stoked the crowd with now-familiar criticisms of President Bush's administration and with pledges to bridge cultural and economic divisions and tackle difficult domestic and foreign policy challenges.

Obama said voters have become cynical because of "a can't -do, won't-do, won't-even-try style of government." He drew the loudest applause with a blistering attack on Bush's handling of the Iraq war and vowed to bring troops home if he wins the election.

Obama shared the stage with Kaine, U.S. Rep. Robert "Bobby" Scott of Newport News and Del. Dwight Jones of Richmond. Kaine endorsed Obama in February and said Tuesday that he is supporting the senator because "we need someone who is interested in pulling the nation together."

Obama drew a diverse crowd that included college students who were admitted for just $35. Other tickets sold for $100 or more.

Obama could become the nation's first black president, and the historical significance of his candidacy resonated with Justin Hayes, a Charles City County schoolteacher.

"This may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and my wife," said Hayes as he waited with his wife, Nichole, to hear Obama speak.

Ben Fenigsohn, a James Madison University student, said he was impressed by Obama's ability to connect with audiences.

"I just hope his policies fulfill that," said Fenigsohn, adding that he is an undecided voter.

The event marked Obama's second campaign appearance in Virginia since he formally entered the presidential race. In a February trip to Richmond, Obama picked up Kaine's endorsement and delivered the keynote address at the state Democratic Party's annual fundraising gala.

Obama, 45, has become a popular draw for Democrats since bursting onto the national political scene during the 2004 elections. He campaigned in Virginia for Kaine's election in 2005 and for U.S. Sen. Jim Webb in 2006.

Obama told his audience he will make mistakes, which he proved with a gaffe during his remarks. While speaking about the devastating weekend tornadoes in Kansas, Obama said that 10,000 people had died. The actual death toll was 10.

Two of Obama's Democratic rivals, U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York and former U.S. Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, tried to counter his latest foray into Richmond by touting endorsements from Democratic office-holders and activists in the state.