Jindal won't endorse Vitter

Some big news out of Louisiana -- Gov. Bobby Jindal says he'll stay out of the Senate race pitting Republican incumbent, David Vitter, against Democrat, Rep. Charlie Melancon.

Jindal:

"Voters can make up their own minds."

The Gov's been undecided on this one for quite awhile.

From a September, 2009 interview with Politico:

“We’ll make a decision whether we’ll get involved in that race once we get closer. We haven’t made that decision yet."

This could be a telling decision. If you remember, the Family Research Council's Tony Perkins flirted with a primary challenge to Vitter last year, but ended up endorsing him.

If there were any prominent state-wide Republican name to hold off on endorsing Vitter, you'd think it would have been the head of a family organization, but it's Jindal who's been cautious.

Why? If he were to branch out into national politics, it might be a troubling association, so this could be with an eye toward national; not state things (of course, there's the other option: that Jindal genuinely didn't want to endorse a guy who was caught up in a prostitution scandal).

Jindal to help Minnesota GOP raise money

The AP reports that Bobby Jindal will travel to Minnesota for a September 13 fundraiser with Tim Pawlenty.

Jindal is the main draw for a Republican Party of Minnesota reception that starts at $1,000 a person.

Pawlenty and state GOP Chairman Tony Sutton are heading the event, with U.S. Reps. Michele Bachmann and Erik Paulsen also listed on the invitation.

[Hat tip: Rachel Stassen-Berger]

Jindal ratchets up pressure to end drilling moratorium

Yesterday, Bobby Jindal continued to urge the Obama Administration to lift the moratorium on deepwater drilling.

“Our people don’t want a BP check. They don’t want an unemployment check. They want to go back to work.”

And there are signs that might be a possibility soon.

Later on Wednesday, Jindal and other supporters of deepwater drilling won a court victory when a federal judge refused to throw out a lawsuit that demands an end to the drilling moratorium.

The judge's decision adds to the political pressure that has been mounting on the Obama administration in recent weeks, particularly since it's not the first time the courts have viewed the moratorium with skepticism.

A federal judge had already struck down an initial drilling ban, forcing the administration to impose a second, slightly modified one that it argues is necessary to ensure that drilling can be done safely before it resumes.

Jindal "absolutely" running for reelection

Bobby Jindal's name hasn't registered as a 2012 candidate for quite some time, and last weekend, he proved the conventional wisdom right.

The State Column:

"I'm absolutely running for re-election," said Mr. Jindal.

.... "You know there's been a lot of speculation. Will I run for another office? Will I go to Washington D.C.?," the governor added. "I'm interested in helping lead our state."

Big question -- and why he remains relevant to the site -- is whether he's a down-ticket possibility.

Btw, in Pollster.com's chart of his approval ratings since April 2009, Jindal has dipped below 60% only once (55%) in seven polls. He scored 60% or better in the remaining six polls.

Jindal's testimony

Bobby Jindal spoke to the Lismore Baptist Church in Lousiana yesterday.

“When I was asked what the single most important moment in my life was during a debate, I smiled to myself.

I didn’t even have to think about it. It was the moment I found Jesus Christ. I should change that to say the moment He found me, because I was the one that was lost.”

To read more about his spiritual journey, click here.

Since it's been awhile since I wrote about Jindal, here's a romantic blast from his love life's past, courtesy of a Meghan McCain interview with his wife, Supriya, last year.

"I [Supriya] was working for the chemical plant and he was working for the governor and he had a Mardi Gras ball to go to. His date canceled the week of the Mardi Gras ball, so he went back to his little black book from high school and thought, "I wonder what ever happened to her."

He knew I had moved to New Orleans, so he tracked me down and left me the funniest message on my machine.

You know, the questions were, “If you’re not married, call me back.” So, I called him back and we had a great conversation and he invited me to the ball and I went. We had a wonderful time."

Hey there, Supriya. Works... kind of?

Jindal picks interim lieutenant governor

Bobby Jindal picked Louisiana natural resources secretary, Scott Angelle, today to replace outgoing lieutenant governor, Mitch Landrieu, on an interim basis.

The slight twist in this is that Jindal has proposed abolishing the position to cut costs, but that's not likely to succeed. It would require all the usual conditions for changing a state constitution (e.g. 2/3 of lawmakers approve, majority of voters etc).

If the efforts fails as expected, the special election for the seat is set for later this year.

Jindal approval stays strong

Even though he says he's not running for President (and nearly everyone genuinely believes him), Bobby Jindal is still relevant to follow, considering VP possibilities.

Rasmsussen releases a new poll, showing his approval rating at its typically strong 64%-35%.

In Pollster.com's chart of his approval ratings since April 2009, Jindal has dipped below 60% only once (55%) in seven polls. He scored 60% or better in the remaining six polls.

Jindal: "Stay away from Bourbon Street"

Bobby Jindal started off his speech to SRLC by taking on the duel (and rare) role of preacher and travel agent.

"We invite you to extend your stay [in New Orleans], enjoy this beautiful weather, enjoy our great food, our great music, our great culture. Spend a little bit of extra money in our hotels and our restaurants. We'd appreciate it.

I do have a word of warning to RNC staffers: You may want to stay away from Bourbon Street. Just a word of advice."

Then he cleared the air before getting into the meat of his talk.

"Here's the good news at least for my family. I'm going to make a very important announcement today, and as far as my family's concerned, let me be clear to you: I am not running for President of the United States of America. I have got the job that I want.

.... Since I'm not running for President, I can speak very directly to you, without fear of offending you or whether you like what I say or not. I'm under no pressure to make anybody happy other than the people of Louisiana."

Jindal responds

I missed Bobby Jindal's response to the health care bill in my post outlining 2012 prospects' statements yesterday, so here's 2:30 of apology.

Jindal's 5 concerns:

"First, you've got a bill that raises almost half a trillion in new taxes.... second, you've got a trillion dollar spending plan in a time of record deficits.... third, this bill includes over half a trillion dollar cuts in Medicare, including significant cuts -- over $200 million in Medicare Advantage.... fourth, this is a huge unfunded mandate for states, especially Louisiana.... fifth and finally, this bill adds 350,000 new Medicaid enrollees right here in Louisiana."

[Hat tip: Real Clear Politics]

Louisiana filing suit over health care

The AP and station WAFB in Louisiana:

Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell says Louisiana will file a lawsuit challenging the national health care legislation passed by Congress Sunday.

Governor Bobby Jindal, who supports the move, said Monday that he believes the national health care bill approved by Congress Sunday is unconstitutional.

"It's a bad bill for Louisiana, a bad bill for America," Jindal said.

"This is a huge overreach," Jindal said during a Monday afternoon news conference. "I believe it would violate the constitutional rights of our people."

Jindal's book to face stiff competition

The AP on oxygen-sucking in Lousiana:

A memoir by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees will be going on sale the week before Gov. Bobby Jindal's autobiography.

Tyndale House Publishers - a Christian publisher that added inspirational and motivational sports stories to its mix in 2007 - announced Wednesday that it plans to release Brees' memoir on July 6.

Jindal's organization

The AP:

For his re-election bid, Gov. Bobby Jindal has tapped into an extensive network of Republican fundraising and consulting firms known for their work for GOP candidates and causes around the country.

.... An Associated Press review of Jindal's most recent campaign finance report shows nearly half its spending in 2009 - at least $431,000 - paid for the web of out-of-state consultants, strategists, direct mail companies and fundraising coordinators.

July release for Jindal's book

The AP, on a check mark.

"On Solid Ground: Returning to America's Core Values," to be written by Jindal and Hoover Institution research fellow Peter Schweizer, is scheduled for release on July 12.

....A product description says the book will offer a "bold vision for renewing the GOP and our nation"-making it sure to fuel speculation Jindal is preparing for a national campaign.

You can pre-order the 256 pg hardcover here.

Jindal raised $4.6 million in 2009

Bobby Jindal's got plenty of money available for his 2011 reelection campaign.

The Times-Picayune:

Preliminary figures show Gov. Bobby Jindal raised about $4.6 million in campaign contributions last year, giving him a $7.1 million warchest for his 2011 re-election bid, the chairman of the state Republican Party said.

.... The governor had more than 9,300 donors, and nearly three of every four contributors gave less than $100, Villere said.

.... In 2009 Jindal held at least 34 fundraisers in 16 other states for his campaign. He also joined fundraisers for other Republican candidates and made trips to appear at conferences and on television.

Jindal raised $3.5 million in 2008, his first year in office. He raised more than $14 million from about 24,000 donors for his 2007 election.

Back in April 2009, Jindal explained his frequent fundraisers:

"In 2007, I ran against two millionaires able to self-finance. They were able to write checks for several million dollars. That's not something I can do, so I want to make sure we've got the resources to get the message out.

Jindal: Read my lips

Bobby Jindal previews his annual budget, which will be formally released on Friday.

"We will not try the Washington Way in Louisiana. We will not send the government spending bill on to Louisiana taxpayers.

We cannot, we must not, we will not raise taxes in this state."

Instead of raising taxes, Jindal will push for streamlining government and cutting government spending in higher education and health care.

Daniels has a flag problem

The Saints beat the Colts in the Super Bowl, and Bobby Jindal beat Mitch Daniels in the "governors who have a team in the Super Bowl and probably aren't running for President in 2012 but might" Bowl.

Mitch Daniels and Bobby Jindal's bet.

The governor from the state with the winning Super Bowl team will send a team flag that must be displayed by the other governor, either on a car, in his office or another public location.

Jindal to SRLC

Add Bobby Jindal to the roster of impressive speakers who'll be attending the Southern Republican Leadership Conference in April.

More info here.

Jindal might scrap lieutenant governor position

The AP on streamlining.

Gov. Bobby Jindal says he is strongly considering a proposal that would scrap the lieutenant governor's job in Louisiana.

Jindal Chief of Staff Timmy Teepell told The Advocate newspaper that the proposal under consideration would make the secretary of state second in command. The lieutenant governor's responsibilities over culture, recreation and tourism would be split among various agencies.

.... The change would require a constitutional amendment, which needs a two-thirds vote of the Legislature and approval from voters for passage.

[hat tip: reader]

Jindal, Nagin celebrate $475 million

WWL in Louisiana reports on a big get for a good cause, one that has both Governor Bobby Jindal and New Orleans Mayor, Ray Nagin, joining hands.

Louisiana will get nearly $475 million from the feds to replace the Katrina ravaged Charity Hospital.

.... Jindal says the impact will continue to grow over time. "This is only the beginning. If you look at what they have done in Houston and Birmingham, they generate hundreds of million dollars per year."

He credits the state's congressional delegation for pushing for the creation of the arbitration panel, which unanimously sided with the state.

Jindal points out that FEMA wasn't offering anywhere near the amount it would take to repair or replace Charity Hospital.

"The offer on their table was $25 million," Jindal said. "We wanted what we were owed."

Today marks one of Bobby Jindal's most important anniversaries. Last year, he responded to Barack Obama's speech before a joint session of Congress, and we all know how everyone responded to that.

Since then, he's kept a low national profile, primarily leaving the state for quiet fundraising events, and with Palin, Romney, and Huck occupying so much attention for a number of tough stories (e.g. here, here, and here), Jindal's unwitting Kenneth the Page ape seems pretty innocuous.

Jindal's path (to VP)

Newsweek's Andrew Romano sets the table.

Throughout 2010 and 2011, Jindal avoids the national spotlight, thereby quelling the persistent rumors back home in Louisiana that running the state is not his top priority and ensuring his reelection.

Meanwhile, he travels to GOP fundraisers around the country--as he's doing quite regularly even now, ostensibly for his reelection bid--and makes as many friends as possible.

In the winter or spring of 2012, the Republican Party finally selects its new presidential nominee, who is, given the field, probably a white, middle-aged, rather old-fashioned man.

The new nominee then turns to Jindal, who has realized that with Louisiana's crushing budget shortfall it's impossible to rack up the sort of accomplishments he racked up during his first term (ethics reform, tax cuts, a workforce-development program), and asks him to serve his party and his country as the GOP's vice-presidential nominee instead.

Unable to pass up this "once in a lifetime" opportunity, Jindal happily accepts, providing the Republican ticket with exactly the sort of modern, multicultural appeal it needs to compete with Obama, and exactly the sort of pragmatic conservative credentials that will attract voters turned off by four years of Democratic rule.