Legal Commentary

In many Great Lakes communities with large Polish communities, the Monday after Easter is "Dyngus Day."  In my own South Bend, it's also long been a day (especially for Democrats) for politicking and schmoozing with candidates.  (Bill and Chelsea Clinton are in town.)

Dyngus Day is a Polish holiday that celebrates the end of Lent, but in South Bend it's more of a political holiday where residents can meet and talk to elected leaders.

"It celebrates the coming of Christianity to Poland. That's the spiritual side to it," said Butch Morgan, the St. Joseph County Democratic Party chairman. "The political side is it gives everybody a chance to go out and mingle and talk to the elected officials and politicians, ask questions, show support or whatever they want to do."

Usually Polish sausage and beer is served and everyone from Democratic politicians running for minor local offices to gubernatorial candidates give brief speeches. Republicans are allowed to attend, but don't give speeches.