SOUTH BEND — It was a smaller, but no less passionate, celebration of Dyngus Day at St. Joseph County Republican Headquarters Monday.

The county GOP scored two statewide elected officials — Attorney General Greg Zoeller and Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Bennett — at its evening Dyngus Day event.

The (frankly, glorious) smell of grilled chicken wafted through the air as people sat at red-and-white tablecloths and listened to the two make brief remarks.

Republicans did well in Indiana’s statewide contests, securing the governor’s office for a second term, and holding onto the Department of Education and the attorney general’s office.

But nationally, Indiana’s 11 electoral votes went for a Democrat — the first time that’s happened in more than 40 years.

Zoeller, the attorney general, said now is a good time for Republicans to demonstrate the differences between the two major parties.

"At the end of the day, it really is a question of what you believe," he told the crowd. "Frankly, the Democrats, God love ’em, they really do believe that government is the solution."

Zoeller stayed away from political rhetoric for most of the day, and even showed up for lunch and was announced at the West Side Democratic & Civic Club — the traditional hub of Democratic activity on Dyngus Day.

He said his is a fairly nonpartisan office, but that he will also be excited to see the Republican Party stand up for what it believes in during the months ahead.

Bennett, the state’s schools chief, focused heavily on policy, saying he plans to change the culture of education.

"We want to be very clear that schools are learning centers for children, they are not employment agencies for adults," Bennett said.

He also said Indiana can focus on how to get the most out of its education budget, because it’s not cutting the money like some other states are, and that students should be ready to compete for spots at universities with foreign nationals.

"There are many people who say Tony Bennett can be a little tough on teachers unions," Bennett said.

"Good!" shouted someone in the back.

"But," Bennett continued, "I will tell you very clearly there is nothing more important in a child’s life — other than their parents — than an inspired and inspiring teacher."

Teachers should be well recruited, well compensated and well trained, Bennett said.

"And that minority that’s not the best," he said, "we need to help them find a new profession."

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