Bobby Jindal was on John McCain's short list of possible GOP vice presidential candidates. He was not chosen.
He was scheduled for a prime spot as a speaker at the GOP convention. He wasn't there.
Still, the man who didn't want to give up his post as governor of Louisiana to be McCain's running mate - and didn't make it to St. Paul, Minn., to appear on the program - became a hero to convention delegates. Media sources called him a star of the convention.
It was all about hurricanes. The deeply troubled federal response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita did severe political damage to the Bush administration. Republicans were fearful that Gustav would have a devastating effect on the convention and on the party's chances of holding on to the presidency.
There was a sigh of relief from convention delegates as it became clear that Jindal would gain immensely from his handling of storm-related issues and that the convention and the Republican Party would share the gains.
Jindal was highly visible from the time of the hurricane's approach through its assault on the state. He continues to provide impressive leadership in the aftermath. On national television, he came across as firmly in control and highly competent in his implementation of disaster policy.
According to one report, "Thank God for Bobby Jindal," became a salutation of sorts at the GOP convention. It is safe to say that he emerged as the man of the hour to people nationwide who watched his televised news conferences.
Many feel his management of the catastrophe assured him a role at a future Republican convention well beyond that of a featured speaker. John Pitney Jr., a political scientist and professor at Claremont McKenna College in California, says Gustav enhanced Jindal's chances of being the Republican presidential candidate in 2016 - or in 2012 if McCain is not elected. In either scenario, Pitney said, Jindal almost automatically will be the front-runner.
Even before Gustav, Jindal was hailed as the next Ronald Reagan by arch-conservative talk-show host Rush Limbaugh.
While Jindal's handling of storm issues lengthened his impressive list of supporters, the time that must elapse before he can seek the presidency is also lengthy. During that period, he will have to maneuver the always-dangerous waters of Louisiana politics. He faced political damage early on in his governorship when controversy erupted over a massive pay raise for legislators. He refused to veto the unpopular increase at first, yielding only when public anger reached fever pitch.
He will be tested throughout his governorship by such politically dangerous issues. If he fares well in Louisiana politics, a shot at the presidency is a virtual certainty.
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Washington, DC – Republican Governors congratulated Governor Sarah Palin today on being named Senator John McCain’s vice presidential nominee.
“Sarah Palin is an excellent choice for vice president. She has a proven track record of making tough choices, taking on corruption and implementing reforms in one of our country’s largest states,” said Governor Rick Perry. “As a mother of five with a son in the military, she understands firsthand the challenges that American families face, like the impact of rising energy prices. And as governor of a large energy producing state, she knows we can and must lessen our dependence on foreign oil through increased exploration and diversification of our energy portfolio. Compared to Joe Biden’s life-long opposition to energy exploration, her energy experience is proof that she is the right choice for this country. Like Sen. McCain, Sarah knows the best way to grow our economy is by cutting taxes and controlling spending in Washington.”
“She’s an executive, she’s a reformer… and she is going to be a great leader for our country,” said Governor Tim Pawlenty. “She has executive experience, and as I said before, Senator Obama has not.”
"Governor Palin is strongly pro-energy,” said Governor Haley Barbour. “She is very well versed in energy policy, which is one of the biggest economic issues facing the country. She will be a real asset to Senator McCain in that regard, as well as an outstanding campaigner."
“Senator McCain has picked a great vice presidential nominee,” Governor Mark Sanford said. “She has been a fearless advocate for good government in Alaska, and has consistently kept her eyes out for the taxpayers – while at the same time shouldering life’s most important obligation in raising her five children. She is a delight to know, and I’m excited that the American public will soon get to know a conservative leader who I have grown to admire and who will be a great compliment to the Republican ticket.”
"Senator John McCain has made a great pick in Governor Sarah Palin,” said Governor Charlie Crist. “She has demonstrated tremendous leadership as the chief executive of her state, working to bring Republicans and Democrats together to do what's right. I congratulate both Senator McCain and Governor Palin on this historic choice for our people."
"Sarah brings strong western appeal, a record of successful reform and a connection to traditional republican working-class roots that will make for a truly historic and successful ticket," said Governor Jon Huntsman.
"I have worked with Governor Palin over the past two years and have been impressed by her vast knowledge and leadership on a plethora of issues, especially energy independence, her proactive reform platform on a local and national basis, and her courage to fight corruption in her state,” said Governor Linda Lingle. “Governor Palin represents the true American spirit, as a wife, ‘hockey mom’ of five, a skilled hunter and an accomplished snowmobile racer. While she may be a fresh face on the national political scene, she is known by fellow Governors as a powerful leader in her home state. Her chief executive experience as both a governor and a mayor will complement Senator McCain's vast foreign policy knowledge and experience. I am excited to support this historical team for president and vice president to lead our nation."
“As a fellow Governor, I have come to know Sarah Palin as a smart and tough leader that I respect and admire,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “John McCain’s selection of Sarah is a decision that transcends politics. In her, he will have a partner that will always stand on principle and work closely with him to bring real reform to Washington. The difference between the two tickets could not be more stark. Republicans have two candidates with a proven record of working across the aisle to deliver real results to their constituents while Democrats have nominated a ticket with a history of talk instead of action.”
“I like her, and I believe the people of North Dakota will too,” said Governor John Hoeven. “She’s intelligent, capable and articulate. She’s doing an outstanding job in Alaska, and brings a perspective to the ticket that will resonate with North Dakotans and the rest of the country.”
"I've worked with Governor Palin on several projects through the Western Governors Association and the Republican Governors Association. In fact she attended the WAG's summer meeting in Deadwood last June,” said Governor Mike Rounds. “She is very bright and articulate. Her no nonsense approach to government will be well received by conservatives who expect government to be fiscally responsible. I'm encouraged that Senator McCain went outside the Beltway and federal government to select our next vice president. This is an indication of real change."
“I believe that Governor Palin is a great fit for the ticket. I think she brings a lot of balance,” said Governor Butch Otter. “I know that everyone knows and understands that she is a westerner. She was born in Sandpoint. She was educated at the University of Idaho. That certainly helps. But in the short time that I have known Governor Palin…she has been very involved in the Western Governor’s Conference, in the National Governor’s Association on primarily education matters, criminal justice, natural resources, and transportation and she has always provided a lot of leadership and a lot of input to the other Governors that I don’t believe that understand as much of the western problems that we have. So I think she is a great fit for the McCain ticket and is going to bring the balance that we need.”
"I'm excited," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "I've been hoping for decades to see a woman on the Republican ticket, and Governor Palin was worth waiting for: a reformer, a seasoned executive, and best of all, normal and authentic. Great choice!" ### |
The Republican Governors Association (RGA) congratulated Dino Rossi for advancing out of Washington’s top two primary and into the November 4th general election.
“The primary last night was a call for a change of leadership in Washington,” said RGA Executive Director Nick Ayers. “Historically, Democrats receive 59% of the primary vote, but Gregoire has yet to top 50%. The results tell us one thing; more than half the voters in Washington want a new governor. Gregoire will have to shake down more casinos and labor unions to have the resources to win in November.”
Other incumbent Democrats received well over 50% of the vote. The Democratic Auditor received 60%.
“When you see your opponents making a big deal about their incumbent securing less than half the vote while the rest of the Democratic Party outperforms her, you know they feel threatened and fear the race is spiraling out of their control,” Ayers added.
Historically Democrats overperform in the primary and there is an 11% swing in favor of the Republican in the general election. In 2004 Dino Rossi received 34% of the vote in the primary this year he so far has received 45%. The new top-two primary has the added benefit of clearing the general election field of third-party candidates. In 2004 the Libertarian received 2.25% percent of the vote in the general election.
The Republican Governors Association is the official political organization of America’s Republican governors. It has raised over $15 million this year and reports more than $20 million on hand.
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The Republican Governors Association (RGA) announced record fundraising numbers today. The RGA raised $8 million for the 2nd quarter, bringing its total for the year to over $15 million. The fundraising brings RGA’s total cash on hand to $20.78 million. Both totals significantly outpace where RGA was at the same time four years ago and in 2006 when there were 36 races.
“RGA’s efforts to energize the Republican Party at the state level and elect Republican governors are resonating with supporters and voters alike,” said RGA Chairman Gov. Rick Perry. “We have a good plan, great candidates, and the resources needed to elect more GOP governors across the country.”
The Republican Governors Association has twelve races this year. There are Republican incumbents in Indiana, North Dakota, Utah, and Vermont. Challenger races are in Montana, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico, Washington, and West Virginia. Delaware, Missouri, and North Carolina have open seats.
“RGA is in an excellent position to defend our incumbents and compete in challenger and open seat races,” said RGA Finance Chairman Gov. Haley Barbour. “Implementing the four year plan gives us the resources to win back a majority of governorships by the end of 2010. Our success shows that our donors recognize the importance of winning the majority and are responding.”
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Dino Rossi outraised incumbent Christine Gregoire during the month of June, according to PDC filing reports through June 29th. Dino Rossi has raised $683,211 compared to Gregoire’s $494,518. Including fundraising from June 30th, the Rossi campaign is expected to have raised over $700,000 for the entire month.
“Our fundraising started off strong when we launched our campaign in October and it has never slowed down,” said Jill Strait, Rossi spokesperson. “Month after month we have posted great fundraising numbers, proof of the grassroots support that is building for our campaign. Our strong fundraising also means that we will have enough money to communicate our message to voters and refute the baseless attacks being launched by the incumbent and her political operatives.”
According to PDC reports, Rossi outraised Gregoire every week during the month of June. As of June 29, Rossi has raised over $5.8 million for his campaign.
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