Colburn's constituents kick back on Choptank cruise

With secure seat in election year, state senator holds fundraiser

By BOB ZIMBEROFF Staff Writer

Published: Sunday, July 13, 2008 7:11 AM CDT

SECRETARY After a long day touring a slice of the Mid-Shore and checking out the chicken business, the Republican candidate for Maryland's 1st District Congressional seat wanted to unwind and try on his sea legs.

So, state Sen. Andy Harris, R-7-Baltimore County, made his way Friday to Suicide Bridge Restaurant near Secretary, greeted state Sen. Richard Colburn, R-37-Mid-Shore and boarded the Dorothy Megan. The double-deck, paddlewheel boat disembarked promptly at 6 p.m. for Colburn's 12th Choptank River Dinner Cruise.

Harris started his day at 6:40 a.m. in Cambridge before traveling to Hurlock and throughout Dorchester County while visiting a chicken hatchery, grain mills and a large chicken house. Harris saw the industry, "really from start to finish," he said.

Harris, who bumped incumbent Wayne Gilchrest out of the race for the 1st District in the February Republican primary, said he got a firsthand look at the industry after dealing with its issues for years in the State Senate.

Harris and Colburn, R-37, work together on the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, but they didn't board the Dorothy Megan to talk politics.

"It's a great time," Harris said, "great opportunity to relax after a long day in Dorchester County a nice way to end the day on the Choptank."

Besides holding the fundraiser in an election year in which his seat is not up for grabs, Colburn made sure everyone kicked back.

Dick Newcomb, the Dorchester County Republican Central Committee treasurer, attended the event.

"It's one of the few times I feel the ability to take my wife along on political ventures," he said.

After Colburn's constituents enjoyed Eastern Shore surf and turf prime rib and a crab cake he worked the crowd, asking everyone if they were having a good time.

"The key idea is f-u-n-d," Colburn said, spelling out fund. "But you also want to have f-u-n."

He said he tries to host three or four fundraisers every year, but "people like this one because there's no speeches. It's just meant to be a very relaxing fundraiser."

Colburn estimated the cruise would gross $18,000. He said he was grateful for every little bit considering the hard economic times in the U.S.

"We have to build up the war chest," Colburn said.

After passing under the Sen. Frederick C. Malkus Jr. Bridge, the Dorothy Megan chugged through the Market Street drawbridge and turned around.

"You come down to Cambridge Creek and see a more and more revitalized Cambridge," Colburn said. The Dorothy Megan cruised amidst new condos and apartments mixed with old restaurants and businesses. "For some reason, we always have good weather."

For the first 11 years, the cruise was scheduled during the first weekend in July. This year, Colburn said, the Fourth of July fell on a Friday, and he knew the holiday would interrupt. From now on, he said, the Dorothy Megan will launch with Colburn's constituents aboard during the second weekend of July.

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