Ping: JW

[Buccaneer]

I didn't realize there was an election for governor yesterday. I have always admired your astute views of Louisiana politics and culture. The new governor said, "He pledged to fight corruption and rid the state of those "feeding at the public trough," revisiting a campaign theme.
"They can either go quietly or they can go loudly, but either way, they will go," he said, adding that he would call the Legislature into special session to address ethics reform." Is that really possible in Louisiana or will it be just smoke?

[JW]

Jindal means it. It will be very hard to accomplish, and I now he will not half of what he wants done. Katrina though has been a catharsis for Louisiana in more ways than one. It has really shaken up traditional Louisiana politics. I think we have a chance to make some positive changes.

[Doug5984]

I really hope Jindal can do a lot of the stuff he says he wants to do. He got my vote 4 years ago, and he got it again today.

My mother used to be the CFO at a local hospital, she was on some medical boards and such and Bobby Jindal was appointed to one of those at the age of 28. She said he was one of the smartest people she has ever met, and he was only 28.

[Eaglesfan27]

I really hope Jindal can do a lot of the stuff he says he wants to do. He got my vote 4 years ago, and he got it again today.

My mother used to be the CFO at a local hospital, she was on some medical boards and such and Bobby Jindal was appointed to one of those at the age of 28. She said he was one of the smartest people she has ever met, and he was only 28.

Without a doubt he is very bright, but I worry what sort of cuts he is going to attempt to impose on public healthcare in the state.

[cschex]

Without a doubt he is very bright, but I worry what sort of cuts he is going to attempt to impose on public healthcare in the state.

This is my worry as well. His record suggests that this will be a high priority as well, which is a bit frightening to me,especially in Louisiana. On the ethics reform, I truly hope he is able to and wish him all the luck in the world, but he will have a short leash with a lot of the ingrained politicians in the state and, being an "outsider", I think it will be difficult for him. Never underestimate the factor of race in Louisiana politics. I wish him luck, it'd be nice to have my home state as a viable option to move my family.

[JW]

Without a doubt he is very bright, but I worry what sort of cuts he is going to attempt to impose on public healthcare in the state.

I can understand that. I voted for Jindal, though frankly he is more conservative than I would prefer, because I thought he was the best hope for the state. I do have some concern about some of the things he might try, but I think he will be balanced by the legislature, which in the end is a muddle of career politicians who might lean one way or the other but are most concerned about staying in office and who are in general corrupt. I think some of the things he will do in the way of making Louisiana more business-friendly will help, if he can do them before the last major business leaves the state.

[Doug5984]

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I have been happy with how Jindal has done so far, I know its still early but he seems to be doing good.

I also had the honor of meeting the governor at a christmas party back in december. He is a very soft spoken, very friendly and personable. He took the time to go around the room and shake every single persons hand and say hello.

I hope he stays governor, we need him- but at the same time, if he is offered the Vice President job I wouldn't hold it against him if he took it- and he would still be able to do a lot to help Louisiana.

[Eaglesfan27]

I hope he stays governor, we need him- but at the same time, if he is offered the Vice President job I wouldn't hold it against him if he took it- and he would still be able to do a lot to help Louisiana.

I don't think anyone should/would hold it against him if he takes a VP offer should that happen. If McCain/Jindal won, he could do a great deal for the state.