Jindal or Vitter

That’s the Question

   Jim Brown, a former state senator and Insurance Commissioner, has a web site that covers a wide range of tid bits on Louisiana happenings, including his observations on politics.
  Jim writes a weekly column that is carried by several internet sites and newspapers both in Louisiana and other parts of the country. His insights cover a wide range of subjects from Louisiana and national politics, contradictions in the federal justice system, as well as book and movie reviews. His thoughts are often controversial, thought provoking, full of insight and offbeat humor. You can view Jim’s web site by going to ( www.jimbrownla.com)
The following is Jim’s take on who will be the republican candidate in the next governor’s race.
Jim Brown
"Was it the early stirrings of the coming 2007 Louisiana Governor’s race and who the major Republican nominee was going to be? That’s the feeling I got at the Greater New Orleans Pachyderm Club this past Tuesday evening. It was a Jindal crowd with even the Congressman’s in-laws in the audience. And there was no doubt who their favorite would be to take on the wounded incumbent. Jindal had the audience hands down.
You knew the crowd was interested in a "wider view’ of the state political scene when they invited a renegade Democrat like me to be their monthly speaker. The crowd included current Republican state party chairman Roger Villere and a host of local Republican elected officials. And the group focus was clear. Run a ticket from the top spot on down to numerous legislative races when 2007 comes around.
This group smells blood. Time Magazine’s description of current Gov. Kathleen Blanco as one of the nation’s worst governors was ballyhooed by all in attendance. The possibility of a Landrieu for Mayor Campaign, and political problems with several other Democratic statewide officials had the group talking about major changes in Baton Rouge for a number of statewide offices.
As one top Republican official in attendance surmised: "Landrieu running for Mayor of New Orleans could open up the Lt. Governor’s spot for someone like Sen. David Cain or Sen. Jay Dardenne. We have an excellent chance of keeping the Secretary of State’s post that has been held by a Republican for a number of years. (Former Secretary of State Fox McKeithen held the post for 17 years until his untimely death). Some other statewides are in real trouble, so it’s a heck of an opportunity. Needless to say, we’re excited."
The Pelican State Pachyderm Club of Louisiana is the third largest local Republican club in the U.S. "Pachyderm" means bull elephant, and this group was clearly looking for a major political fight. One member observed: "On the national scene, Republicans are tough as nails. No holds barred. But locally, we haven’t been that aggressive. But that’s all going to change." We’ll see.
When Senator Vitter’s name was mentioned, there were a few claps. Congressman Jindal’s name brought an enthusiastic response. Now he is their local Congressman, and his in-laws were part of the group. But the overwhelming majority left no doubt of whom their choice is to run for Governor in two years.
"We see Bobby a lot, and he has been really active in working with the party and raising money for the party. We can’t say the same about Vitter,’ said one active member who works closely with the state Republican organization.
So, at least for the Pachyderms, it’s Jindal hands down to lead the ticket on ‘07. Two years is a lifetime in politics. Just ask Gov. Blanco. But key Republicans feel Jindal is about as well positioned as he could want to be this far out from election day.

That’s Jim’s story, not mine.

Two years out is too long for me to focus on politics but I predict, God willing, that Bobby Jindal will run for governor or the U. S. Senate. You can take that to the bank. That's my story and I am sticking to it.

Milo A. Nickel is the former President and COO of Louisiana State Newspapers.

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