PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Illinois Senator Barack Obama made his first visit to Oregon since declaring his presidential candidacy Friday night, stressing the big themes of his campaign in a speech light on specifics but with a few veiled jabs at rivals.

Associated Press

The visit drew an enthusiastic crowd of about 3,400 at the Oregon Convention Center.

He generally avoided direct references to Oregon-specific issues, hitting instead on broader themes dear to his liberal backers, such as promises for universal health care, a swift end to the war in Iraq, stricter fuel efficiency standards, and an end to the genocide in Darfur.

And he repeated his plea for a move away from partisan politics, saying there is a need for a new chapter in American history.

His audience paid at least 25 dollars each to hear him speak. At a separate fundraiser, some paid as much as $2,300.

He said charges that his limited experience of three years in the Senate is insufficient are invalid.

Said Obama: "Time served does not guarantee good judgment."