INDReporter

Jindal staying on sidelines in GOP Senate primary

by Nathan Stubbs

Gov. Bobby Jindal doesn't have the best record picking winning candidates, but his support would undoubtedly represent a welcome boost for either of the candidates in the upcoming U.S. Senate Republican primary, scheduled for Aug. 28.

Gov. Bobby Jindal doesn't have the best record picking winning candidates, but his support would undoubtedly represent a welcome boost for either of the candidates in the upcoming U.S. Senate Republican primary, scheduled for Aug. 28. Former Supreme Court Justice Chet Traylor's 11th hour entry into the race has changed the outlook for scandal-plagued incumbent David Vitter, who's faced renewed criticisms over his handling of former aide Brent Furer. Vitter has a sizeable fundraising and name recognition advantage over Traylor, but this race still appears too hot for the ethics-standard governor to want to touch.

Recent articles from both The Hill and TPMDC indicate that Jindal will not be making an endorsement in the race, at least for now. His spokesman, Kyle Plotkin, e-mailed the same statement to both publications: "Right now, the Governor is focused on fighting the oil spill and working to lift the moratorium. There will be time to discuss endorsements in the coming months."

That tends to suggest that Jindal will be withholding his endorsement until after the August primary, to presumably back whichever of the two Republicans emerges victorious against Democrat Charlie Melancon. Vitter remains the candidate of choice for both the Louisiana Republican Party and the National Republican Senatorial Committee.