Louisiana Gov. Jindal Budget Faces The Legislative Crucible
by Stephen Sabludowsky (excerpt)

BAYOU BUZZ

As Governor Bobby Jindal’s office readies for Louisiana Legislative Session Year II, it will be instructive how last year’s final session (which blew up in his face like an Alaskan Volcano) and how recent events will impact his personal clout.

In 2008, the Governor was “Jindal The Invincible”. He encountered criticisms when it came time for his ethics package and his campaign was hit with a violation. He also had some egg on his face when it was revealed that strict ethics reform applied to everyone else but those in his administration. But, the real combustion began when he failed to be forthcoming on his promise to the Louisiana legislators concerning their attempts to raise their own pay.

After a mini-revolution by his friends and enemies, he abruptly turned face and vetoed those pay raises and then vetoed many Non-Governmental Organization funds--which then put his popularity back into the more favorable column. The events showed the Jindal resiliency. He could tumble in the polls after a few weeks of pounding by the public. Then, he could rise like a Phoenix as he cut numerous critical non-governmental organizations’ payments.

Now, he is facing a somewhat angry mob of Legislators who feel the Governor has betrayed the state by going on a personal political money tour instead of taking care of Louisiana business. A number of legislator leaders have less fear of his “mystique”. They feel his personal ambitions are akin to watching Nero fiddle on the national stage as Louisiana burns.

In reality, this Legislative session will test if Governor Jindal can really govern.

His honeymoon is clearly over with much of the public. He has lost a tremendous amount of “good will” in the media due to his brazen national cravings while Louisiana citizens seriously ponder their own personal futures.