Rockin' country and rock music with a sophisticated flavor. Home-cooked food with a gourmet flavor. This isn't your typical political fundraiser.

But Jack Markell isn't your typical candidate for governor.

Once again Southern Delaware is pulling out all the stops for the state's most unique fundraiser, the Annual Summer Bash, in Milton. Now in its fifth year, the Bash will benefit the Markell campaign in an event unlike any other. Last year's ASB featured luminaries from the local level to the national. Among them was beloved University of Delaware football coach Tubby Raymond, by his own admission "as conservative as Genghis Khan," who heartily endorsed Markell at the Bash just days before the formal kickoff of the gubernatorial campaign. To the cheers of Delawareans young and old, and Jack's own family, the soon-to-be candidate outlined many of the urgent themes of the campaign.

More than 600 people from throughout Delaware and beyond converged on historic Milton in June 2007 to support Jack's eagerly anticipated decision to run. They were treated to an afternoon-long serenade by the twice Grammy nominated singer / songwriter / instrumentalist Deborah Allen, a Nashville legend, who charmed the audience with her affection, humor, and sultry musicality. Delaware entrepreneurs donated everything from computers and a sound stage to a rock-star spa treatment for Ms. Allen.

The Annual Summer Bash cuisine, prepared by many of the more than 60 event volunteers, has set a new tradition in fundraiser fare. While the fried-chicken fundraiser is a cherished tradition in Southern Delaware, where else can you find politics mixed with Grey Goose olives, spicy apple grilled chicken wraps, lemon-caper potato salad, Kahlua chocolate trifle--and, of course, "Jack in the Beans"?

As one guest summarized, "This is not your father's fundraiser."

Commenting on the warmth of the occasion, one newspaper columnist observed that this type of "personal politicking" is one of "the things that make it worthwhile to be in Delaware."

So make plans to join us for the afternoon of June 7th, meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and enjoy the fantastic live music as we support the Gubernatorial campaign of Jack Markell!