Conflicted Libertarian

The 2theadvocate.com has a great article with accompanying chart on the first half of Governor Jindal’s term.  Thanks again to GOP12!

Some highlights:

Some political observers said Jindal is succeeding in improving the state’s image and promoting economic development.

Jindal said his greatest accomplishment in office is that Louisiana’s economy is performing better than most of the rest of the country. He said that is because of his economic development policies.

The state Legislature made significant cuts in taxes, which Jindal eventually backed after his aides initially opposed the move.

Jindal has helped lead the state in poor economic times:

He [Jindal] said Louisiana’s economy is outperforming the nation and the South during the recession.

 His ethics reforms drew support even from at least one Democratic lawmaker:

Jindal began his term by calling legislators into a special session to change the state’s ethics laws.

Those changes were problematic.

Ethics Board members resigned, shutting down the board for months.

However, many believe that Jindal strengthened the state’s ethics laws and improved Louisiana’s image.

State Sen. John Alario, D-Westwego, gives the governor an “A plus” for the ethics legislation, calling the changes a giant step.

Alario also credits the governor for not sitting at his desk 24 hours a day.

The governor often is on the road, whether to meet with residents or to raise campaign funds.

“I think it’s good that he does mix with people across the country,” Alario said.

Another more prominent Democrat, James Carville, adviser to former President Bill Clinton, praises Jindal and predicts he’ll run for President in the future:

“I would be surprised if at some point in his life Bobby Jindal doesn’t not run for president,” Carville said.

He said Jindal should not fret about the state’s budget crisis negatively impacting his future aspirations.

He noted that the recession is having a widespread effect.

“Every governor’s having budget problems,” Carville said. “Who’s not?”

This is one of the few times I agree with James Carvile!  It may not happen in 2012: 

Jindal said he intends to serve two full terms, dismissing speculation that he will win re-election and resign for a national office.

But we cannot yet rule out the VP nod for 2012.  It seems to me that if a nominee says to the Governor that he’s the best choice for party and country, it would be difficult for Governor Jindal (or anyone else) to say no without a compelling reason (some skeleton that Jindal does not have in his closet) to do so.

PS:  I recommend the chart for your reading.

Tags: 2theadvocate, ethics, GOP12, James-Carvile, jindal, John-Alario, louisiana, VP, Westwego