SOUTH BEND — Who wants to be governor?

Maybe everybody, as it turns out. Or maybe no one.

It’s a wide open field for the state’s top job — probably because the dust has just settled from the last election — and a number of prominent Democrats showed up inside the West Side Democratic & Civic Club on Monday to participate in Dyngus Day, an annual South Bend festival of politics and Polish food.

The event is considered a must-do for any Democrat seriously considering statewide office.

Former U.S. Rep. Jill Long Thompson, who lost her challenge to Gov. Mitch Daniels last year, said she hasn’t ruled out a 2012 run.

Indianapolis architect Jim Schellinger, who lost to Long Thompson in the 2008 primary, said by phone that he hasn’t ruled out another run, either.

Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel, who traveled more than 300 miles to experience his first Dyngus Day, was considered a possibility to challenge Daniels in 2008.

He seemed to be the only one downplaying rumors about 2012, but also got up on stage, introduced himself, and talked to the crowd for about three minutes.

The future looks bright for Hoosier Democrats, he said, drawing cheers from the crowd by invoking Indiana’s selection of Barack Obama — the first time the state has voted for a Democrat since 1964.

"That was actually before I was born," he joked, stifling the applause and drawing glares, followed by laughs.

"Think of the challenging times we’re in," Weinzapfel said. "It’s important to have that Democratic leadership — somebody who’s going to work with folks."

But he downplayed the gubernatorial chatter.

"I’m just up here to experience Dyngus Day on my own for the very first time," he said. "We’re going to be working to make sure we elect Democrats in 2010."

Another rumored hopeful for the governor’s office, Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez, was passing out business cards with his photo at the West Side Club.

He was introduced, but not called up to the stage to speak. But he did confirm he’s been thinking about 2012.

"I’ve not ruled out what avenue I might take. It’s easy for one to say ‘I’m running for governor,’" Dominguez said. "The approach I’d like to take is first talk to people, listen to individuals, and lay a foundation in the event that I may decide to run for governor."

For more on Dyngus Day, including news from Republican Party events later today, check back with this Web site, or see the full story in Tuesday’s South Bend Tribune.

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Staff writer Ed Ronco:
eronco@sbtinfo.com
(574) 235-6353