So last night was supposed to be the big national launch for Louisiana’s Gov. Bobby “future of the Republican Party” Jindal.
Reviews for his response to Pres. Barack Obama‘s address to Congress were poor, even from Republicans. Except for the moment when Jindal claimed that “Louisiana has turned its back on the corruption of the past,” (rarely has any public announcement sparked a statewide spit-take ) it was pretty short on excitement or economic policy proposals, but big on down-home anecdotes. Less “state of the union,” more “audition for Hee Haw.”
Which is good for Jindal, because he’s only faced one major test as governor, and it didn’t necessarily go so well.
Last year, the Louisiana state legislature was talking about doubling lawmaker pay ($16,800 to $37,500: not bad for a part-time gig, but there’s that whole question of whether legislators should be a part-time gig.) Jindal pretty much botched the entire issue. First he pledged to oppose any pay raises, then he said that it was the legislature’s business and he wouldn’t veto it, then (after a recall election petition was filed) flopped back from his flip and vetoed the bill.
This article appears in February 20 • 2009.
