MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Senator John Kerry returned to the site of one of his biggest rallies before the 2004 presidential election to try to fire up supporters of Barack Obama.

Kerry urged a group of Obama supporters to vote before Election Day during a 20-minute speech on the state Capitol steps.

Five days before the 2004 election, Kerry appeared outside the Capitol with rocker Bruce Springsteen for what observers have called one of the state's greatest political rallies.

Tens of thousands of supporters crowded streets and front porches to rock out and hear the man they hoped would defeat President Bush.

The rally helped Kerry narrowly win Wisconsin. But he lost the election.

This time, there was no Springsteen, only a local band to fire up the crowd of about 250.

Kerry thanked Madison voters for having the "common sense" to back his candidacy and to embrace the issues he fought for.

Now, he says it's time for Obama to carry the torch as the next president.