Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, Corey Marshall-Steele, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, Doug Marshall-Steele, and Candidate Brian Dolan celebrate Corey’s 35th birthday.

On June 12, Governor Ruth Ann Minner, State Treasurer Jack Markell, Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, Insurance Commissioner Candidate Matt Denn and over 250 other guests converged on a private home in Milton to congratulate Corey Marshall-Steele on his 35th birthday––and to support 36th District candidate Brian Dolan in his run for the Delaware House. Appropriately called ‘35th in the 36th," the event brought together people from all over Delaware as well as from out of state, and included Corey’s and spouse Doug’s friends, neighbors, fellow parishioners, co-workers and legislative/political allies.

As Corey put it, "What I most want as a birthday present is to see Candidate Brian Dolan become Representative Brian Dolan in November. It was logical then to turn my birthday party into a fundraiser for this very worthy candidate. People can learn about Brian at www.BrianDolan.org but this was a great opportunity for many to get to know him in person."

The weather was perfect for the late afternoon party featuring drinks and hors d’oeuvres, most of which Corey himself had prepared. "This is a way for me to give something back to our friends—and to Delaware, which means so much to Doug and me," Corey explained. ‘In return I am humbled that from the Governor on down, so many made it a point to celebrate with me and support Brian Dolan’s race for the Delaware Legislature at the same time."

Especially for the occasion Treasurer Markell wrote a poem which simultaneously congratulated Marshall-Steele, endorsed Dolan and encouraged constituent involvement: it received sustained applause.

Final figures for this fundraiser are premature but checks to "Friends of Brian Dolan" so far total more than $5000, which gratifies Corey: "Thank you to all our friends for their deep generosity. Who needs gewgaws? What we need is a legislator who will represent us in Dover!"