Posted on 02/08/2008 6:11:45 PM PST by SeekAndFind
Fulfilling the most galvanizing of all of his campaign promises, in his first major act in office, new Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal will convene his state Legislature for a special session this Sunday devoted entirely to ethics reforms. If he succeeds in his battle against corruption, he will have launched a term in office that as soon as four years from now could unite a conservative movement, and a Republican Party, that now is more fractured than at any time in the past three-plus decades. Jindal has the potential, without a doubt, to be the Barack Obama of the right -- just as inspirational, and far more substantive.
Jindal's agenda for the special session includes stringent new restrictions on lobbyists' wining, dining, and gifting of public officials; seriously expanded financial disclosure requirements for all public officials (including judges who long have operated under their own rules); new prohibitions against state contracts for legislators and their family members; significant new requirements for lobbyist transparency (including a publicly searchable database); annual ethics training for all public officials; expanded whistleblower protections; greater disclosure of campaign contributions; and assorted other measures. Public interest in the session seems high, and public support seems strong. Moreover, a vast turnover in both houses of the Legislature has brought in a host of new lawmakers who at least claim to be reformers.
Reformist editorial writer Lanny Keller of the daily Baton Rouge Advocate, a 30-year veteran political observer and sometime participant, told me Wednesday that Jindal's press conference outlining his session plans was "a masterful performance." Keller said the Jindal reforms have momentum behind them.
(Excerpt) Read more at spectator.org ...
This is no small task he’s attempting. As the article states: Louisiana’s economy is notoriously unsteady, a seemingly random phantasmagoria of booms and busts. The state’s biggest city is of course still plagued by the grim aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. And its coastal marshlands are eroding at a frightening rate, so far defying most of the feeble state and federal efforts to reverse the loss.
But Jindal himself is famously brilliant. He’s also the rare technocrat who boasts “people skills” almost as well developed as his policy analyses. And his work ethic is legendary. If anybody can figure out how to overcome all of the challenges ahead, without letting success go to his head or that of his administration of whiz kids, it’s Jindal.
This is Bobby Jindal’s first big test.... if he succeeds, he might be the conservative’s best hope for President in 2012 or 2016.
Rush proclaimed Jindal-on today’s show- the best candidate for a new Reagan!
That is a BIG hat to fill!
Almost gives me hope for this state!
“This is Bobby Jindal’s first big test.... if he succeeds, he might be the conservative’s best hope for President in 2012 or 2016.”
I’ve heard many good things about Jindal. He’s certainly got his work cut out for him. Louisiana is fortunate to have him.
Jindal 2012!
It is great a repub wins in Lousiana !! Talk about long odds. I agree with Rush he is an incredible pol, but we will see longer term. He has only been in office a short time and certainly sounds good.
Good Bobby !!
I have this really good feeling that Rush’s prediction will bear out.
Your statement is incredibly diplomatic.
Having lived in TX, LA, and MS for five decades, I’ve seen a long parade of crime and corruption fighters in LA who gave their lives for their cause.
Your call for prayers for Gov Jindal is likely well founded.
“...new prohibitions against state contracts for legislators and their family members...”
Good luck with that one.
It’s just possible that residents were SO disgusted with the LA politicians in the wake of Katrina that they will unite behind Bobby Jindal in the reforms he wants to put into effect. That would be the best news of all.
Jindal is certainly worth watching...
He may be the one to unite conservatives after another HurrimMcCain....
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