JINDAL TARGET OF DEMOCRATS
by Ana Radelat - Shreveport Times (excerpt)

WASHINGTON — Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is the latest target of Democrats who are trying to tar Arizona Sen. John McCain's possible vice presidential picks.

An unflattering political profile of Jindal was added to the National Democratic Party's "thenextCheney.com" Web page Friday. The Web page's intent is to lambaste any candidate McCain, the presumptive GOP presidential candidate, might chose as a running mate.

Jindal joins Florida Gov. Charles Crist, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and others who may be on McCain's list as a target of Democratic attempts to link the Republicans to unpopular administration of President Bush and Vice President Cheney.

Louisiana Democratic Party Chairman Chris Whittington said "we know firsthand he is an ineffective governor."

The Louisiana Republican Party responded Friday with a release signed by the state's top Republicans, including Sen. David Vitter, State Treasurer John Kennedy — who is running for Senate — and Republican members of the Louisiana U.S. House delegation.

The release said Jindal remains "an agent of positive change and reform in Louisiana."

It also said the national focus on Jindal has helped the state.

"The national stage afforded Gov. Jindal in recent months has allowed him to tell the nation what Louisianans already know — It's a new day in Louisiana and Louisiana is open for business," the release said.