Bobby Jindal was among six Republican governors who officially threw their support yesterday behind the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, Sen. John McCain. At a Washington press conference, Gov. Haley Barbour of Mississippi and Gov. Sonny Perdue of Georgia downplayed the notion that McCain has struggled in appealing to social conservatives. Barbour and Perdue cast McCain as much more conservative than the two remaining Democratic contenders for president, and suggested that his moderate stance on social issues will help him win over critical independent voters in the general election. Also endorsing McCain, though not at the press conference, were North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven, Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle, Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and Jindal.
Jindal released the following statement: "John McCain has already sacrificed more for our country than most of us ever will. John is a man of great courage and great fortitude. In these uncertain times, his steadfast commitment to keeping America strong and safe is badly needed."